The state had made an offer to the Hawai'i Government Employees Association [HGEA] that involved 24 furlough days this fiscal year, starting in October, and 24 days in the next fiscal year. The state also agreed to stop most of the 1,100 layoffs the governor has set to start in September. The governor said a similar offer was made to the United Public Workers but that the union did not respond.
--Honolulu Advertiser
HGEA countered the state's plan with 18 furlough days this fiscal year and 12 the next. The union also demands that the state cover 60% of health care premiums, even as costs continue to rise. Lingle describes it as "completely unacceptable" and has returned to cuts and layoffs. It seems to me like a simple choice: Either have a job, get at least some income, and have full benefits, or don't have a job at all. Unions, pick wisely, or hundreds of workers could be laid off.
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