ASCME still has to cut 1.2 million dollars? Don't worry, they will. The ASCME Union that represents Cincinnati City employees has no power. It is as weak as a limp noodle. For years, all it has done is sell employees down the river and out the City doors. Just ask some employees that have used them--but go get a lawyer. ASCME is going to give the City the $1.2 million dollars in cut. When they do, this is an excellent time for Cincinnati Employees to band together, get a lawyer, and cut get rid of ASCME. The city just went to ASCME as a form of protocol--they know ASCME is going to sellout City employees--they always have. Shame on you ASCME Reps, presidents, vice presidents, Stewards--haven't you done enough blood letting to City employees over the years? I pray to God they say 2009 is the year we are going to get rid of ASCME. All ASCME in Cincinnati is good for is administering dental and eye benefit. Negotiating union contracts please--the city tells them what they will give the employees and they say ok. Even though employees may object to the offer, when they go to vote--there is someone there to perdict gloom if you don't vote for the offer. CITY EMPLOYEES GET YOUR HEAD OUT THE SAND AND OPEN YOUR EYES. You couldn't have a better time to get rid of ASCME. Just think, you have to fight for your rights yourself anyway. You can continue to fight for your own rights plus keep your union dues as extra money on your paycheck. The City can administer your benefits just like they do your pension, raises, and everything else. BE WISE. The City is going to use ASCME to not only furlough you for 6 days but to put you in the lines of the unemployed. You all had better think about it and take action. What is being said is nothing new to you. The economy is in a downslide--you don't want to slide with it.

Uh,....too bad. You don't have a choice

these unions are really looking out for their members,lol. Let's see hmmmm, a few days lost pay Vs. total loss of job.

The city will go bankrupt. There there will be no more Bengals or Reds stadiums to pay. However it will be tougher to get financing for a new jail.

Civil servants are too stupid to realize how good they have had it all these years! Obamanomics...here's your change morons!

I just want to note that some City employees have taken the 6 furlough days for 2009 (those not represented by a union). While I am not excited about the loss in pay, I am ok with doing what I have to do to take care of my family. I just hope that the unions are able to make some sort of conscesions or identify cost savings IN THEIR DEPARTMENTS and those that are working hard and making sacrifices aren't penalized at a greater extent because the unions are being overly selfish. I also want to add that public safety is very important, but when it takes up over 40% of the total budget, there are going to have to be serious cuts somewhere in that portion of the budget or an increase in income taxes. I think the public safety leaders and unions should be able to find some things within their department to save money and increase efficiency.

This is baffling. Why wouldn't you accept 6 furlough days if it meant your job and the jobs your co-workers could be saved. Selfish and short-sighted.

This should be an eye opener to everyone, as it clearly shows the disconnect between those who work in the "Public" sector and those who work in the "Private" sector. Can ANY of you out there in the Private sector honestly say that you haven't seen a slowdown in production, pay or otherwise and have made sacrifices because of the slowdown? How nice that while we pay MORE in taxes and get LESS in services, our local Government employees are NOT willing to sacrifice an ounce. So what will HAVE to happen? Taxes will have to be raised. Oh, but you claim you've laid people off, I understand but this is about YOU, those of you STILL EMPLOYED. On behalf of us all in the Private Sector "Thank you, Jerks!" Is it NOT bad enough that you pay nearly NOTHING for your medical insurance and your pensions and retirement benefits are artificially more than that of the Private Sector’s, (because the Government doesn't have to show a profit, only pretend to serve) when is enough, enough?

The .gov workers MUST remember who they ultimately work for - us the taxpayers (well, you the taxpayers. I'm across the river :-) ). If they aren't willing to take 6 days off (which if asked for, probably could have been spread over 6 weeks) to help reduce the deficit & to save ALL of their jobs then screw them. However many people the city needs to cut to help things out should be doubled & perhaps then these slugs would realize that EVERYONE needs to pitch in & help out. On top of that every department, every department no exceptions, needs to cut both employees and overhead by 10%, anything with "administration" in it's title gets a 20% cut (in case you were wondering in my fantasy world, state & fed start @ 25% (+10% admin)). Working for the .gov shouldn't be a cushy lifetime job with great benefits. We the taxpayers need to demand that they remember this.

There are plenty of private sector companies doing the same to their employees. They are lucky they aren't getting laid off, but that may still happen if they play hardball and decide not to tighten their belts like the rest of us. Some companies are doing 7-14 days a month furlough and they're crying about 6 days? Take the vacation and relax. There will be plenty of crime, grime, and paperwork when you get back.