Yesterday, the Governor of Guam issued Executive Order 2018-03 directing all Executive Branch Departments and Agencies funded by the General Fund to implement a non-continuous furlough in the form of a 32 hour work week beginning March 6, 2018.

The GFT Union is concerned that the lack of specificity of the Executive Order 2018-03 may lead to varying interpretations and implementation in the government agencies affected.

Therefore, to ensure equity, and that there is no disparate treatment of employees based on the agency where they work, the Guam Federation of Teachers is advising affected Agencies that March 6, 2018 implementation of furloughs must be accomplished in accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations of the Agency to the extent that they do not conflict with the Executive Order and in accordance with Guam Law.

More simply stated,

ALL AFFECTED EMPLOYEES MUST RECEIVE A 30 DAY ADVANCE NOTICE OF FURLOUGH THAT INFORMS OF AGENCY’S INTENT TO IMPLEMENT A 32 HOUR WORK WEEK.

No classified employee should have his/her salary or hours or benefits affected during the week of March 6, 2018 or anytime prior to the expiration of the 30 day advance notice period.

GFT is confident that the 34th Guam Legislature and Governor of Guam will reach a remedy in a timely manner and no employee will suffer any adverse effects of this austerity measure.

For further information call the GFT Office at 735-4390.