State workers, your last "Furlough Friday" is this week, contrary to what the Schwarzenegger administration told us earlier. After this Friday, all departments will begin self-directed furloughs.

Here's what it means for workers covered by SEIU Local 1000's tentative agreement:

You'll still have to take a second furlough day this month. The reason, we're now told, is that the Controller's Office payroll processing cutoff date hits before your deal can be ratified by members and OK'd by the Legislature.

But since you're covered by SEIU Local 1000's tentative agreement -- which calls for 17 furlough days in the 17 months that started February of this year -- you will work regular schedules at regular pay in April and May. That's to make good for the two extra furlough days you had to take in February and this month.

In June, assuming your contract takes effect, you'll start one-day-per-month self-directed furloughs, continuing through June 2010.

For everyone not represented by SEIU::

You're still subject to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Dec. 19 executive order that mandates two furlough days per month. After Friday, your furlough days also switch to self-directed scheduling.

Unless your union reaches an agreement to the contrary, or the courts overturn the furlough order, you'll continue to take two furlough days each month through June 2010.

And why didn't departments go to self-directed furloughing for all of March? Many had already set their work schedules through the first half of the month, and rejiggering them would have been inefficient, according to DPA.

DPA has updated its furlough policy Q & A page. We suggest to you check it for more details.