System Announces Rules For Worker Furloughs

The University of Maryland has begun its short-term furloughs for employees, part of the state's effort to make budget cuts as the economy worsens.

The school will remain open, but workers will have to take up to five days of unpaid leave, depending on their salary levels. President C.D. Mote Jr. will take six days.

Earlier this month, Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) implemented a furlough plan for state workers because of a growing budget shortfall, and the Board of Regents for the University System of Maryland approved guidelines for furloughs at public colleges.

Yesterday, William E. Kirwan, the system's chancellor, sent out a letter announcing the rules for system office employees. The public universities must return nearly $16 million to the state in payroll cuts. Many of the institutions are still negotiating with unions and working out the details of their plans.

The University of Maryland, the system's flagship in College Park, was asked to reduce its salary budget by nearly $7 million this fiscal year.

Most U-Md. employees will be furloughed, with some exceptions, including people earning less than $30,000 a year, graduate assistants paid through financial aid, and student employees.

Workers can take off full or half days to spread out the pay cut but must take all the time off before June 2.

Some professors paid in part by federal grant money questioned whether it makes sense for them to be included in mandatory furloughs. William McLean, associate vice president for academic services at U-Md., said that for workers with salaries split between federal and state funding, the furlough savings would be returned to the grant.

Philip Tarnoff, director of the Center for Advanced Transportation Technology, which includes two programs funded by federal grants, said sponsors have been asked to extend the funding for an additional week so the money is not lost.

An employee also questioned what would happen at research centers that provide 24-hour public safety support, such as the consortium studying terrorism. McLean said programs that affect public safety will continue to be covered completely.