LA Superior Court is back to full time status as the court announced an end to furloughs starting in August. July 21 is the last furlough day.
The monthly furloughs caused delays in document processing for child support and divorces and created long lines for the public.
“I’m extremely happy the furloughs are over and we’re back assisting the public full-time. But we still have to restore the courts to full capacity,” said Charlotte Ramos, CSA III at Stanley Mosk in downtown LA.
As the Legislature moves closer to a budget solution that guarantees funding for county courts for 2010-11, we’re still working for a solution that restores court services for the future.
“We’re ecstatic that the court has decided not to extend the furloughs,” added Cher Mason, a Judicial Assistant and AFSCME member. “What I’d like to see next is the court moving forward to reinstate the laid off employees. That has been devastating for the courts and the public.”
AFSCME and SEIU 721 members have joined together to participate in rallies, meet with legislators and speak out to the media and public.
I thought the reason behind the furoughs was so the court would not have to layoff any employees. The court laid off over 300 people in April. Why, then, would the court decide to end furloughs before giving those 300 people their jobs back? It doesn’t seem right!