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Posted at: 06/26/2009 11:22 PM Albany County employees to take five day furloughsALBANY - When county custodian Howard Thompson took a break from cleaning the floors at the Department of Social Services, he told us exactly what he thinks about the plan to dock his paycheck for five days."It's not right. We're not the reason why they have this deficit, so I don't see why we should suffer for it," said Thompson. The County announced the five-day furlough to deal with a $20-million-dollar budget shortfall. "Lack of sales tax revenues, budget cuts imposed by the state. We need to take steps to make sure we get things back in balance," said Albany County Executive Mike Breslin. Breslin said the furloughs will save $1.4-million-dollars. Starting in August, all Departments except the County Nursing Home and the Sewer District will close down one day a month through the end of the year. Over 1400 employees won't get paid The announcement isn't sitting well with two of the unions that represent employees that face furloughs. Union officials told News Channel 13, they just heard about it Friday afternoon. A spokesperson for CSEA, which represents two thirds of the county workforce, tells us quote, "We're going to fight any furlough plan. By taking pay from people, they are changing the terms of the contract. We feel we have a grievance." A PEF spokesperson said, "We're just learning about this now. We are concerned. For us, it would be safety concerns because of the nature of the work our members do as probation officers." But Breslin said the County has talked to the unions, and informed employees. "They don't like it anymore than I like it. But given the situation, this is one of those alternatives that we need to do, so we can avoid more drastic steps," he said. "Well if it's gonna help the budget, yeah. But what about the people who can't afford those days off? That's the question," Thompson said. Breslin is also taking the furloughs himself. There are other departments, however, that are not covered by the furlough order like the Sheriffs department, the DA's office, and the Board of Elections because they are overseen by separately-elected officials. Breslin is hoping they will join him. The furlough dates are August 28, September 25, October 23, November 27 and December 24.
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