After refusing to sign a budget plan put forth by Democrats, Gov. Schwarzenegger yesterday ordered furloughs for state employees and "surplus" notices for the state's 20 percent least senior workers. Furloughs will begin Feb. 1 for rank and file and supervisors, Jan. 15 for managers and exempts, and will continue through June 30, 2010. Surplused workers will be subject to layoff, transfer or demotion beginning 120 days after receiving their notices.

Reaction to the measure has been strong. In an eblast yesterday to members, ACSS President Olin King said the order "won’t come close to resolving the deficit. This is showboating of the highest order.” He added:“It is counter to what President-Elect Obama is doing. Obama is trying to create jobs and the governor’s creating unemployment.”

We are protesting this unfair order and urge you to use our Legislative Action Center, at left, to tell the governor and the media your thoughts. We believe the governor and Legislature should focus on cutting expenses and increasing revenue, not on -- yet again -- placing an unfair burden on state workers.