It was not unexpected. The only question was the timing.
Commencing June 15, the city of Shreveport will start involuntary furloughs.
The city had requested voluntary furloughs from employees with a May 27 deadline. The voluntary furlough program begins on June 1.
After the savings are calculated from the voluntary furlough employees, the city will determine the number of employees who will be subject to involuntary furlough and/or the number of furlough hours required from the hourly employees.
City employees will be furloughed at least two working days per month, or 16 hours per month for hourly workers.
Department heads and supervisors will determine how furlough days/hours will be staggered based on the needs of the department/division.
Furlough days will not affect an employee's years of service. All employees will receive credit for service during the furlough period.
Those furloughed are placed in a temporary, non-duty and non-pay status while maintaining their eligibility for health benefits and retirement credit.
The furlough program applies to all appointed, classified and unclassified employees with the only exception being police officers and firemen.
The city will provide a minimum of 14 days' notice prior to involuntary furlough.
During the furlough period, the city will continue to pay its share of health insurance and benefits premiums. City employees will be responsible for their portion of health insurance and benefits premiums.
Employees will not accrue leave, sick or annual, while in furlough statues. They do not forfeit any accrual balances at the time of the furlough. Employees can not use accrued balances during the furlough period to maintain full pay status.
The voluntary furlough program runs from June 1 through July 31. Involuntary furloughs will continue through Dec. 31.
Furloughed employees may be eligible for unemployment benefits if approved by the state.
Needless to say the involuntary furlough program is not good news for city employees. And no doubt there will be many other questions on the furlough program once it begins.
THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE May 29 ISSUE OF FOCUS SB - THE INQUISITOR.