A letter writer to The Sacramento Bee Sunday calls for voluntary furlough days:
Make furloughs optional: Re "Voluntary furloughs, anyone?" (Page A3, April 1): The feud between the governor and SEIU Local 1000 could be resolved by making "Furlough Fridays" optional. Poll employees via e-mail and ask: "Should Furlough Fridays continue?" I believe the yeas just might carry it. What many have learned is that: a) they can manage without the extra bucks; and, b) some things can't be quantified in terms of money but are priceless in terms of quality of life, such as time. And maybe people care if others keep their jobs, even if the pay is a little less. Currently, state employees get three days off per month in exchange for a 15 percent pay cut. If the battle with the governor results in a five-day work week, a 15 percent pay cut and jobs lost, I am compelled to ask the union: Exactly whose interests do you propose to be representing? – Jane Ryan, Sacramento