Union: RI workers face 12 unpaid days

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A union official says state workers in Rhode Island could face up to a dozen days without pay under Gov. Don Carcieri's plan to help balance the budget.

The Republican governor said Monday he will publicly release details of the plan in the afternoon. Spokeswoman Amy Kempe said the plan includes several shutdown days.

Council 94 President J. Michael Downey said officials in the governor's office have told him the plan would force members of his state employee union to take up to 12 days without pay. The number of shutdown days could be reduced if other branches of government participate and generate more savings.

Carcieri said he also wants permission to withhold state spending already approved in the budget. Lawmakers balked at a similar request earlier this year.