20 October 2009
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick announced budget cuts last week that could result in the layoff of 2,000 state workers in the coming months. These layoffs would be in addition to 1,400 jobs that have already been cut this budget year, and a total loss of 4,200 state jobs since September 2008. Patrick called on union leaders to work with the administration to identify ways union employees can “share in the sacrifice,” through contract revisions and other measures. This statement should be read as a threat that state workers will be forced to give up pension, health care, and other benefits.....
