Before the holiday weekend PEF reported it was still in negotiations with the governor. Tuesday morning the union executive board is planning to meet. A group of PEF members that calls itself PEF Families is planning to be there too, sharing the stories members across the state have been posting on its website.
"I saw it on their faces and I thought 'oh my God' and I just broke down in tears and I said 'I'm being laid off,'" said Susan Olsen.
Olsen has worked for the state for about five years, her co-worker Pete Rea has for 26. Both are receiving notices their jobs have been eliminated.
"Anyone can get it, there have even been some more since the initial 3500. People are waking up in this union," said Rea.
Rea does has bumping rights to a lower paying job, but come next Tuesday, if there is no new deal Olsen's time at the state will be over.
"To me this was not just a job this was a passion," she said.
The two are planning a rally Tuesday morning to remind PEF that their families' lives are on the line. They are also urging their fellow union members to vote yes on a contract if they get another chance.
"We're going to send a message, we're here, we're people, we're families, this is what will happen to us," said Rea.
So far dozens of state employees have responded. Some are posting pictures of their children, others are sharing fears they will lose their homes.
Olsen and Rea say they understand the concessions are tough, but in an economy like this feel like some shared sacrifices are needed.
"Everyone knows now who is on the chopping block, so they have to come to terms with their own conscience, 'am I going to let this person get laid off,'" said Olsen.
"Let's look at this contract again, if they can enhance it a little, send it back out and give it another chance," said Rea.
Rea and Olsen said they both voted yes on the original contract and would be willing to again.
Those who were against the first contract and voted no have told FOX23 that the concessions were too deep, some said they couldn't take the financial hit.
FOX23 News reached out to the union and were told that PEF is aware of this group and would be happy to meet with them to hear their concerns.
The rally is Tuesday morning at 9 a.m.
