News Archive
AFSCME President Direct To Gov. Ige: Don't Furlough, Lay Off or Cut Pay for Gov't Workers
April 22, 2020
The President of our International Union, Lee Saunders, reached out directly to Gov. Ige today through a letter stating "Hawaii, especially with its reliance on tourism, services and trade is suffering. However, we think it is a mistake and unnecessary to furlough, lay off or reduce compensation of public workers in Hawaii at this time."
AFSCME President Saunders calls on Ige to use the Federal Reserve Bank Municipal Liquidity Facility pursuant to the CARES Act. It allows a state to borrow money that can be used as a bridge as Hawaii copes with the short-term reduction in revenue and awaits further federal aid.
AFSCME members are represented by HGEA and UPW and perform a diverse array of vital public services.
READ Lee Saunders' letter to Governor Ige here.