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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The Utah Public Employees Association says the only fair way to deal with a projected $1 billion budget shortfall is to furlough employees rather than lay them off.
It's possible thousands of the state's 24,000 employees could lose their jobs in the upcoming fiscal year that starts July 1.
UPEA Executive Director Audry Wood says furloughs are the preferred option to avoid layoffs. She says the association is most concerned about protecting retirement, salary and benefits, including health care.
Wood says when furloughs are over employees wouldn't be facing a cut to pay or benefits.
But Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, says furloughs are problematic because they hit workers in wallet immediately. He says deferring retirement contributions might be a better option.
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Information from: Deseret News
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
