I am a computer programmer working in the welfare division, so my job is pretty safe as far as long term security. However, there have been talks about government freezes (ie: only the most essential government facilities stay open until the budget is resolved). What does that mean? Am I unemployed? What does the union do? Very confused as to what it would all mean to me! Thanks in advance. This is not in regards to the federal wage freeze. This is regarding the NYS Budget problem.
Government - 3 Answers
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1 :
the government freeze refers to federal employees, not sure it would include the State of New York's employees like yourself.
2 :
I'm assuming you're talking about a state freeze, not a Federal one. My guess is that if they do actually "shut down" all but the most essential facilities, you will not be paid during that time. As a computer programmer, you might have some work, if you were called in to repair a critical system. However, welfare is likely not considered essential. You won't be unemployed. Rather, you'll be on a furlough, which means that you will still be employed, but will not be allowed to work or be paid to work. It's a tough position, since you can't collect unemployment (which may be unavailable, anyway). You'd have to quit and get another job. Furloughs typically don't last more than a few weeks, which is why most people suck it up and deal. However, if they go on longer, you may be forced to look for work elsewhere. As far as unions, they are typically against this sort of thing. However, there is little they can do if the government digs in its heels and says that they are doing a shutdown. For now, stay put.
3 :
Your union, and all modern labor unions, are corrupt and inefficient at helping a business entity to maintain profitability. Your future wages will be dependent upon the "welfare" of the contributing citizens of New York, after taking into account their overwhelming collective tax burden, resolving the budget crisis will only be an increasingly difficult issue, ending inevitably in bailout from the Fed.
