Albany, NY – Judges in state and local courts across New York are being told to close courtrooms a half-hour earlier to cut down on overtime paid to clerks and officers.
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The New York Times reports that a memorandum from the state’s chief administrative judge directs judges to end court proceedings no later than 4:30 p.m., rather than the usual 5 p.m. The move is aimed at reducing overtime paid to staff members such as court clerks and court officers.
The memo comes days after the Legislature approved a state budget that cuts $170 million from the judiciary.
The Times reports that the memo says the earlier closing time request doesn’t apply to arraignment courtrooms that work into the night
Very smart move.
Yes, it’s a smart move to have increasing backlogs in criminal courts and family court. Better yet, let’s do away with courts and let all the crooks run free.
I have always marveled at the capacity of government workers to receive overtime pay. Having worked in various companies, I received a salary, in some cases punching a clock or signing in. Hours were monitored, but I never received a penny in extra overtime. In government (I do not refer to those such as emergency responders whose hours are determined by factors other than a set schedule), we consistently read reports of massive, outrageous costs of overtime. Someone is failing to set schedules correctly or to hire enough people. These overtime hours are never at the regular hourly wage, but something largely greater, such as 1.5 or 2 times more than the regular rate. Ultimately, the taxpayer, who likely has no such fountain of money, foots the bill. I am all for rewarding public service, but I fear that management of government workers is shafting me. And I bet there are unions who would wish me to shut up for thinking this way. Tough.
The working day for these staff members ends at 5pm yet they have to shut down court at 4:30pm in order for these same staff members not to get overtime? Why would they get overtime for working that half hour when they’re already being paid for it?