SEIU Local 1000, the state’s largest union of state employees has authorized their leaders to call a strike. If you recall, Republicans held up the union’s agreement with the Governor, which included cost-saving provisions. It even included one furlough day per month.  However, now that the Governor has basically unilateral authority to call a furlough day, I suppose he doesn’t much need that.  For whatever strange reason, the ratification of the contract requires a 2/3 vote, and no Republican votes were coming despite (or perhaps beacause) of the Governor’s support for the deal.

“This is about our contract,” SEIU President Yvonne Walker said in a press statement announcing the vote. “Whether it is through litigation, negotiations or any other actions that are necessary, we’re in this for the long-haul to right this wrong to our members. We negotiated in good faith, we have offered cost-saving solutions, and we need our contract to be ratified.” (SacBee 8/1/09)

Needless to say, the impact of a state strike would be very significant. However, the way the Governor has played this is rather shocking. He negotiated this deal, and then essentially dropped it when the going got the slightest bit difficult.

The local has gone out of its way to stay quiet up until now.  During the May 19 Debacle, they stayed neutral while most of the rest of the SEIU locals went no. They have worked diligently to get this through with a minimum of fuss, and when it comes down to it, that’s what they should of got.  But, this is just one more piece of the stink-laden manure of Arnold’s legacy.