Gov. Paterson has given unions representing state workers an ultimatum. After taking emergency measures like delaying school aid and state construction projects he’s asked them to hold off on 4 percent raises that are part of their contracts, or face “massive layoffs”, reports the Times Union. This despite a no-layoff agreement he signed last year, in exchange for more affordable pension plans for new state employees. Facing a $9 billion deficit, Paterson says he’s not going back on his word, adding that now "everything's on the table." "I never promised I would not lay anyone off," said the governor. "I let them know that would be the plan, based on what they said (that) the economy is coming back.”