Dozens of laborers who have been laid off from temporary jobs with Chapala’s Department of Public Works are chomping at the bit to collect the severance pay they are owed.
Hired under contract for specific projects that have been completed or suspended, they are entitled to compensation for annual vacation time and aguinaldo (Christmas) bonuses, but the city’s treasury lacks sufficient funds to cover its obligations in a single blow.
According to city manager Sergio Hugo García Díaz, 57 workers are on a list for immediate payment, while about 30 others are waiting in the wings. He indicated that payoffs will be staggered over the coming weeks prior to the October 1 change of government.
Last month Chapala Mayor Javier Degollado ordered a series of belt-tightening measures to adjust expenditures to the rigors of this year’s budget.
He reduced operations of the education, tourism and municipal linkage offices, turning over management to the city comptroller following the resignations of the appointed area heads.
Remaining department directors, legally obligated to give up their jobs at the end of next month, are now working under a 50- percent pay-cut scheme or two-week-on/two-week-off schedule.
Degollado himself is reportedly receiving only half of his monthly salary while continuing to work full-time.