WKRN, Nashville, Tennessee News, Weather, and Sports |State workers hope for alternatives to layoffs

State workers hope for alternatives to layoffs

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- State workers think there are alternatives to potential layoffs as a way to balance the state budget.

Governor Phil Bredesen said this week he wants almost all areas of state government cut by at least 6% and possibly up to 9% as state revenues continue to fall below projections.

Though the governor admits layoffs are likely, state workers say not necessarily.

The group representing state workers thinks there are ways around layoffs, just like there has been the last two years.

Theo Morrison, who lobbies for the Tennessee State Employees Association (TSEA), says he "hopes to work with the administration" to avert layoffs.

Morrison says he knew the governor was going to call for cutbacks.

Bredesen said, "It would be impossible they could do that without putting layoffs on the table."

In 2008-09, the state workforce was reduced when about 5% of the employees took offered buyouts.

A year later, federal stimulus money helped delay potential layoffs.

Now, the potential of layoffs is very possible for a third straight year.

Morrison says the TSEA hopes lawmakers consider deferred pay, a four-day work week, furloughs and even another buyout before layoffs.

"All these options need to be placed on the table before we send people home without jobs," said Morrison.

The governor says the layoff picture will become clearer during his upcoming budget hearings.

His administration says the only area not affected by cutbacks will be the money the state sends to local school districts.