Workers face vote on plan avoiding layoffs

PROVIDENCE — State workers in Rhode Island face a decision as early as this week on a plan that would cut their pay but save their jobs.

The leaders of Council 94 decided last week to let its members vote on a tentative deal reached with Gov. Don Carcieri, who is trying to close a $68 million budget shortfall.

Council President J. Michael Downey said he hopes to have the ballots cast by Friday.

The deal would require state workers to lose 12 days of pay in the next two years and delay a scheduled 3 percent pay raise. They would receive extra vacation time and could get some of the lost pay when they retire or leave their jobs.

In return, Carcieri would promise not to lay off workers.