SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNAT. UNION, LOCAL 1000 v. Schwarzenegger

**Union Wins Fight Against Mandatory Furlough Days for State Workers** This case involved a dispute between a union representing California state employees and Governor Schwarzenegger's administration over mandatory unpaid furlough days. The state government had required State Fund employees to take unpaid days off as a cost-cutting measure during budget difficulties. The union argued these forced unpaid days violated workers' rights and employment agreements. The court sided with the union and workers. Both the trial court and appeals court ruled that the state could not force these employees to take mandatory furlough days without pay. The court ordered the state to stop the furlough program immediately and to pay workers back for the wages they lost during the unpaid days they were forced to take. This decision matters for workers because it shows that employers - even government employers - cannot unilaterally change pay and working conditions without proper legal authority. When workers have union representation and existing employment agreements, courts may protect them from employer attempts to cut pay through forced unpaid time off. The ruling demonstrates that collective bargaining agreements and worker rights have legal teeth, even during difficult budget times.