CA: Prison guards to defer raises in possible deal

Mercury News ^ | 6/30/04 | Dion Nissenbaum

[NormsRevenge]

SACRAMENTO - California's 31,000 prison guards could be asked to defer raises over the next two years to help the state balance its budget, but would eventually receive a full pay increase under a deal being fine-tuned by state and union negotiators, legislative sources briefed on the deal said Tuesday.

New details emerged from contentious talks at the prison guard union's West Sacramento headquarters as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger confirmed Mercury News reports that the state is close to a deal with the influential group.

Although the proposal would save the state less than a third of what Schwarzenegger had sought, the Republican governor called it a ``huge victory'' for California.

``Every time someone sits down and negotiates and gives up something it is great news for the state, and it will make it possible for us to balance the budget,'' Schwarzenegger told reporters.

Legislative leaders offered muted praise for the deal.

[NormsRevenge]

31,000 prison guards could be asked to defer raises over the next two years to help the state balance its budget, but would eventually receive a full pay increase under a deal being fine-tuned by state and union negotiators