I have received several replies informing me that by moving Columbus Day to Christmas Eve means two non paid days in December…Still…if one is picking a day off…why New Years eve and not Christmas Eve?
There will be 4 non paid furlough days from September through December. Maybe even a couple more into next year. We will be paid the same for a full year minus the 4 days regardless when they are taken.
How about this…we get Labor day, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and then WE decide the other day! What difference does it make to the budget? Four days is four days. I will leave it to you to ask.
I suggest that you get in touch with the Governor and voice your opinion:
http://www.colorado.gov/apps/oit/governor/citizen/assistanceUtility/welcome.jsf
Phone
(303) 866-2471
Mail
Bill Ritter, Governor
136 State Capitol
Denver, CO 80203-1792
By the Way – (Tell him what you think of WINS in your communication.)
I’ve also been ask, “Why are you interested in this, Dave? You’re not being furloughed.” That’s right…I work for the unemployment office and have been deemed “necessary” to the function of the state just like state patrol officers and medical personnel. Believe me…I want those days off. Personally, they don’t bother me, but I want to fight for those of you who do care and just don’t know what to do.
Here is my email to the Governor:
The Honorable Bill Ritter, Governor,
I am a state employee and wish to express to you how disturbed I am by the fact that you chose New Year’s Eve and not Christmas Eve as a furlough day in December. Personally, I am of no particular faith, but most of the people who work with me, are Christian. I find it offensive that you did not consider the importance of Christmas Eve over New Years in your decision.
I ask that you revisit your executive order and offer the following: Labor Day, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, then one floating day for anyone to take for any reason. If the idea is to shut down a whole department, then I can understand why you would want to pick one day and not have a floating day, but that was not made clear to us. But…if it makes no difference…why not ask us what we would like!
I also wish to share my disappointment that Colorado WINS did not stand up for those they claim to represent and make this known to you. Though WINS has nearly 2,000 members, where do the other 30,000 stand? I suggest you find another method of representation for the employees you serve than the politically motivated, SEIU run, Colorado WINS that wants nothing more that to take over $13,000,000 from our pay checks.
Sincerely,
David Ohmart
The Biggest Loser