PoliticsSeptember 2, 2026
furloughs
FUR-lohz
Definition
Temporary periods of leave or time off from work, often mandatory and unpaid, used by an organization to reduce labor costs.
Etymology
Derived from the Dutch word 'verlof,' meaning 'leave of absence.' It entered the English language in the 17th century, originally referring to military leave before expanding to general civilian employment.
In the news
The article mentions that the county executive instituted voluntary employee furloughs as part of an austerity effort to cut costs and avoid larger budget deficits. It serves as an example of the measures taken to keep the county’s finances stable.
In challenging fiscal environment, Whatcom executive delivers ‘disciplined’ budget
Read the full article ↗Cascadia Daily News