LANSING, MI (AP)-- Officials say about 30 percent of the state workforce of more than 48,000 will be eligible for retirement by 2019, the largest share of employees on their way out since 2009.
The Lansing State Journal reports that about 16 percent of the workforce is eligible to retire this year and nearly a quarter of the workforce is 55 or older, up from about 16 percent a decade ago.
State officials say they have succession plans and note an employee "eligible for retirement" won't necessarily retire.
Union officials, however, worry retirements offer managers a chance to cut the workforce by leaving positions unfilled or outsourcing jobs.
A 2010 early-retirement incentive program ushered thousands of state workers off the payroll, but the share of employees nearing the exit has climbed since.
