Gov. Holds Off Sending Layoff Notices, For Now

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Gov. Rick Snyder has decided against sending notices to state workers this week warning they could be laid off.

Snyder spokeswoman Sara Wurfel said Thursday the governor still hopes a labor coalition representing roughly 35,000 of the state's 50,000 workers will make $145 million in concessions so layoffs aren't needed.

The Republican governor has said he'd rather have workers agree to pay a larger share of health care costs or make other changes that would save the state money over the long-term.

"File this under 'relentless positive action', the Governor's favorite words, because what he's doing is sending a signal to state workers, " said WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick.

"Normally, under the contract, he would have to give them a 30-day notice that they would be laid off if they don't grant concessions. But, rather than send notices to 50,000 state workers, the Governor has decided to hold back as a sign of cooperation, as a sign of positive relentless action, that maybe they can resolve this problem," Skubick said.

If no agreement is reached, the administration could require workers to take unpaid furlough days, but layoffs might still be necessary.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.