State employees who were locked out during last year's government shutdown recently learned they won't be made whole for their lost wages. So they find it odd that Gov. Tim Pawlenty has declared this to be "State Employee Recognition Week."
Some 9,300 state employees, members of AFSCME and MAPE, are voting whether or not to accept a negotiated settlement, under which they would receive half pay for the time they could not work during the government shutdown. The workers were locked out of their jobs when Pawlenty and the Legislature could not reach agreement on the state budget.
Union leaders say it's likely that members will accept the deal, figuring that half a loaf is better than none. But they doubt that the proclamation for State Employee Recognition Week, signed by Pawlenty and Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer, will do anything to boost morale among those who lost pay and vacation time through no fault of their own.
"Gratitude should be shown to state workers for the knowledge, skill, professionalism and commitment they show daily in performing their jobs," the proclamation says in part. "The work of our state employees enhances and enriches the lives of all Minnesotans each and every day . . ."
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State employees who were locked out during last year’s government shutdown recently learned they won’t be made whole for their lost wages. So they find it odd that Gov. Tim Pawlenty has declared this to be “State Employee Recognition Week.”
Some 9,300 state employees, members of AFSCME and MAPE, are voting whether or not to accept a negotiated settlement, under which they would receive half pay for the time they could not work during the government shutdown. The workers were locked out of their jobs when Pawlenty and the Legislature could not reach agreement on the state budget.
Union leaders say it’s likely that members will accept the deal, figuring that half a loaf is better than none. But they doubt that the proclamation for State Employee Recognition Week, signed by Pawlenty and Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer, will do anything to boost morale among those who lost pay and vacation time through no fault of their own.
“Gratitude should be shown to state workers for the knowledge, skill, professionalism and commitment they show daily in performing their jobs,” the proclamation says in part. “The work of our state employees enhances and enriches the lives of all Minnesotans each and every day . . .”