A federal judge could issue a decision in the next day or two on whether Gov. Paterson’s order to furlough nearly 100,000 state workers was justified.

Representatives of the Paterson administration and four state workers unions were in court today in Albany.

Union reps say furloughs are illegal since state employees work under a contract.

The president of the state’s second largest employee union issued a statement a short time ago, saying he remains hopeful his side will prevail.

“The governor continues to insist that breaking contracts negotiated in good faith are the only way he can generate savings from the state work force. He knows this is untrue,” said Kenneth Brynien, President of the New York State Public Employees Federation.

“PEF has provided the governor with alternative budget solutions that would avoid such hardships.”

Gov. Paterson says the state’s “unprecedented” fiscal crisis makes furloughs a necessity.

Two weeks ago, a US district judge issued a temporary restraining order stopping the furloughs from taking effect just two days after the legislature approved them.

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