Catherwood LibraryILR School

New York State Governor David Paterson backed down Wednesday morning after a concerted outcry from labor groups condemned some of his recent salary decisions. Paterson's push for furloughs for state employees is currently being reviewed in court, and if allowed to go through, will begin on the coming Monday, May 17. However, Paterson also announced raises of up to $10,000 for five of his employees - four who work in the press office, and one in the New York City office. Paterson maintains that, even though the decision was rescinded, he feels that all five employees deserved the raises for taking on extra responsibilities after a probe left the offices under-staffed. They will still have to do the extra work, Paterson's office says, but they will not get paid for it. Public workers though feel that, deserved or not, raising some employees wages while saying others' will have to be cut is like 'a slap in the face.'