How Many Layoffs?

Sisters and Brothers:
 
Within the last few hours, the local was made aware of the amount the County Board has “targeted” for our office.  You will recall that last week the finance committee resolved to cut most Bureau of Administration Departments by 4% and Health Care Departments by 2%.  Ed Burnette had reportedly filed an impact statement with the County Board that predicted the shut down of various divisions like Civil and Traffic among others.  Apparently, none of the Commissioners read or understood the impact statement.  Evidently, they thought the cuts would only result in eliminating vacant positions.
 
There is, obviously, a possibility that front-line newly hired and recently recalled attorneys will be laid off.  The number that has been thrown around is 35.  According to the County and Management, the budget hole that needs to be filled by layoffs, furloughs, cuts in supplies, training, etc must total a little over $1.37 million. 
 
You should know that the local is continually working on reducing or eliminating the number that is being thrown around.  Notwithstanding, we believe that there is money in the County to maintain the levels that we were cut down to over the last few years.  We can’t take anymore cuts to our attorney staffing levels!
 
I URGE ALL RECENTLY HIRED ATTORNEYS (SINCE 2005) TO COME TO THE COUNTY BUILDING TOMORROW, FRIDAY (2/20/09) AND MEET WITH COMMISSIONERS.  THEY ARE SCHEDULED TO VOTE ON OUR REDUCED BUDGET AT 2PM.  TELL THEM OF THE SACRIFICES YOU MADE, THE JOBS YOU LEFT TO BECOME APDS.  TELL THEM OF YOUR STUDENT LOAN OBLIGATIONS.  TELL THEM OF YOUR ENORMOUS CASE LOAD. TELL THEM HOW YOU COULDN’T FIND A JOB THE LAST TIME YOU WERE LAID OFF.
 
See you at the County Building- 118 N. Clark Street, 5th Floor.
 
In Solidarity,
 
K. S. Galhotra, President
Local 3315