The largest employer in the Quad Cities is preparing to implement furloughs for its 6,000. The furloughs at the Rock Island Arsenal begin July 8th, caused by Congress’ failure to stop automatic spending cuts known as the sequester.
Arsenal employees will lose 20 percent of their wages – a total of $18 million — over 12 weeks. Workers, who according to a union president are disappointed, will need to take 11 days off through September. The Arsenal has already trimmed more than 300 jobs since the fiscal year began.
By Phil Roberts, Davenport