Unions challenge Calif. on layoffs

SACRAMENTO, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- A state employees union Friday said it filed a legal challenge to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's order laying off more than 10,000 workers.

Schwarzenegger signed an order Thursday laying off more than 10,000 part-time workers and cutting pay to about 200,000 employees to $6.55 an hour, the federal minimum wage. He said he did it to make sure California "has enough money to pay its bills" until the Legislature approves a state budget.

The budget was due July 1. Legislative leaders and the governor are in negotiations.

Local 1000 of the Service Employees International Union filed a lawsuit in Sacramento Superior Court -- one of at least three legal challenges by state employees to Schwarzenegger's order -- the Los Angeles Times said Friday.

SEIU -- along with a union that represents state attorneys, administrative law judges and hearing officers -- also filed an unfair labor practice charge with the Public Employment Relations Board.

Union officials and people waiting in lines at California Department of Motor Vehicles offices said lines were longer than usual, but the Times said it could not confirm through official sources what caused long waits.

A spokesman for Schwarzenegger said the state will defend the governor's order "in court if necessary."