Union analysis projects fewer than 500 layoffs with early retirement, attrition impacting rest of 2,700 job cuts

Feb. 4, 2008 - OCSEA is hopeful that less than 500 union members will be laid off as a result of the state's projected budget shortfall for 2008 - 2009.

Gov. Ted Strickland announced Thursday that agency directors would cut spending to compensate for a significant decrease in tax revenues and other negative economic factors.

Strickland and his officials met with OCSEA leaders and staff throughout Thursday afternoon and evening and on Friday to address union concerns.

"I can safely say that as of noon today, we probably had that (layoff) figure down to not more than 500," Douglas told Dispatch reporters on Friday. "I think we're going to do even better."

Douglas noted that a recent survey showed an average of one supervisor for 2.7 employees, revealing a bloated middle management.

“Previous administrations have protected and even increased management positions during budget crunches,” said Eddie Parks, president of the union.

“As a result, supervisor-to-staff ratios have grown and eclipse those found in the private sector. To be fair, Gov. Strickland promised us that the job cuts would be weighted towards supervisors, but we have a responsibility to confirm and monitor those plans.”

See Related

State's job cuts may mean only 500 layoffs, union says; Early retirements, attrition likely to clear out most of 2,700 slots (Columbus Dispatch - Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008)

Lacking data, union reserves judgment on budget cuts, layoffs (OCSEA News Release - Friday, Feb. 1, 2008)

Agency Cuts State

Budget Resources

Public Employee Quarterly magazine feature - The Economy