July 29, 1999
Mayor Instructs Corrections Department To Rescind Furlough Order
Mayor Anthony A. Williams today instructed the Department of Corrections to rescind a furlough order that was previously announced as part of the deficit reduction plan for the agency's budgetary shortfall. The Mayor has committed to finding other city funds to offset the furlough days.
"Corrections has serious financial issues that need to be resolved," said Mayor Williams. "But it just isn't fair to ask a small percentage of our dedicated, hardworking employees to shoulder such a large part of the burden for this fiscal crisis. Our employees are an integral part of our public safety team. I'm expecting a high level of performance from all of our workers—but I also believe that we must give workers the support they need to do their jobs well."
The Mayor has instructed the Interim City Administrator to identify funds to offset the furlough days. The City Administrator's office will be identifying funds that are likely go unspent by the end of the fiscal year, and to divert these funds to cover the cost of the furlough days. Other sources of funding may be identified if necessary to carry out the Mayor's order.
"I applaud the Mayor for showing his strong support for the employees of the Department of Corrections," said Clarence Mack, chairman of the Department of Corrections union. "This is a responsible decision that goes a long way toward building a cooperative partnership between labor and management. It is good news for workers, for the Department, and for public safety."
