-Caveat Lector- http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/state/hc-05011537.apds.m0001.bc-ct-- budgdec05,0,3462935.story?coll=hc-headlines-local-wire
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/state/hc-05011537.apds.m0001.bc-ct-- budgdec05,0,3462935.story Workers grapple with looming layoff notices Associated Press December 5, 2002 HARTFORD, Conn. -- The bulk of state employee layoffs won't happen until Friday, but Brenda and Linda Murray already feel the economic pinch of 3,000 impending job cuts. The sisters estimate that business at their lunch truck, parked on Elm Street across from the Department of Environmental Protection, has dropped 25 percent in the last week. "They're cutting back on spending, everything," said Brenda Murray. "It kills us. We'll be done," chimed her sister, Linda Murray. "We're almost ready to give up now. It's so bad." They believe the 3,000 layoffs could equal a 30-percent loss in their customer base. They typically attract employees from the state Capitol, DEP, Secretary of the State's Office and other agencies. Gov. John G. Rowland said the layoffs will affect nearly every state agency. About 200 people have already received pink slips, including probationary workers, some part-timers and people who were involved in training programs. Rowland announced he would cut jobs after union officials balked at a multiyear concession package that included about $450 million in givebacks next year. "Layoffs are not something anyone wants to do, including the governor," said Chris Cooper, Rowland's spokesman. "That is why he asked the union leaders to come in and discuss some kind of concessions." The sisters said the customers who still show up to buy breakfast, lunch or a cup of coffee are constantly talking about the layoffs. Many are worried that more senior workers could receive pink slips. Others say they fear what will happen after the unemployment compensation runs out. "Everybody's looking down. You don't see too many smiles lately," Brenda Murray said. Maryland Leak, a processing technician at the Secretary of the State's Office, said she and her co-workers are very anxious. "Everyone is feeling frustrated. They don't know if and when," said the 14-year state employee. Leak, a single mother with a disabled child, said she is worried what will happen to her financially if she loses her job. Despite her years of state service, she said she could still get laid off. "It can happen to anybody, seniority or no seniority," she said. Jennifer Smith, a spokeswoman for the New England Health Care Employees Union, District 1199, and the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition, said there is a lot of confusion at state agencies regarding the layoffs. "The process seems to be chaotic and haphazard and people are frustrated considering there's a better way to solve the problem," said Smith. Union leaders believe higher corporate taxes and higher income taxes on wealthy individuals are needed before layoffs and union concessions take place. "We know that the demand for public service is so high," Smith said. "That demand is not going to go away. The state is going to have to provide those services one way or another." Copyright © 2002, The Associated Press <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/";>www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html <A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html";>Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/";>ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
