RHODE ISLAND COUNCIL 94 MEMBERS VOTE YES ON THE PROPOSALTO AVOID LAYOFFS

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PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: Contact: Jim Cenerini October 6, 2009 (401) 724-5900 - work (401) 378-8491 - cell RHODE ISLAND COUNCIL 94 MEMBERS VOTE YES ON THE PROPOSAL TO AVOID LAYOFFS North Providence-- Today, the members of Rhode Island Council 94, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees voted in favor of the state master contract proposed settlement. The final vote was 1,757 to 1,264. Council 94 President J. Michael Downey, explained, "Our membership approved the proposed settlement with the state. It was not an easy vote. Many of our members make less than $40,000 a year, and by agreeing to more furlough days they are putting their own families' financial health at risk. But state workers are once again agreeing to take a hit to ease Rhode Island's economic crisis." Council 94, Rhode Island's largest public employee union, represents over 4,000, or 1/3 of the active state employees. ###