With a key deadline looming next Friday, state officials are already making detailed preparations for the layoff of state employees.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and his chief union negotiator both said they remain optimistic, but the wheels of government are churning toward layoffs in case there is no deal with the unions.
"We continue to prepare as if that's not going to be reached,'' Malloy told reporters at the state Capitol complex.
No agreements with the union coalition have been reached as negotiators expect to be working through the weekend.
"I think everybody knows what the calendar is,'' Malloy said. "I remain hopeful that we'll make some progress.''
He added, "We continue to think very seriously about what the layoff prospect would be and also what the programmatic changes would have to be. I'm not prepared today to make either of those available to you, but suffice it to say that OPM and others are working on it.''
The governor's budget office - the Office of Policy and Management - has notified all agency heads of the layoff procedures and the specific steps to take in case layoffs are ordered. The written instructions that were sent to agency heads provide every detail in how the layoffs should be handled, including "bumping'' options for employees assigned to other jobs and sample layoff letters that can be used.
Malloy's chief budget negotiator, Mark Ojakian, expressed optimism that the two sides can reach $1 billion in savings and concessions in each of the next two years.
"Every day, I think we move closer to an agreement,'' he said. "I'm hopeful that we'll have something by next week.''
"I am hoping to have something solid,'' Ojakian said. "This is a process, and I am working as hard as I can and as optimistic as I can be that we will reach an agreement. As the governor said, the fact that we're continuing to talk is a good sign. I don't think anybody has an interest in not reaching an agreement.''
Each union has rules on how the layoffs should be handled. Documents prepared by the budget office say that employees should be notified by "certified mail with return receipt or in person with employee signing to acknowledge receipt.''
One sample layoff letter is as follows: "It is with deep regret that I must inform you that your full-time position ... is being eliminated effective'' on June 30 at the close of business.
"This action has become necessary due to serious economic and financial considerations. The decision to eliminate positions does not reflect the quality of service provided by you to the state, but is a reflection of the need to reduce costs and become more efficient,'' the letter continues. "A meeting will be scheduled with you in order to more fully address any questions you may have. You may bring a representative of the union with you to this meeting.''
"I want to personally assure you that we are committed to providing assistance and support to you during this difficult period.''
