Vermont State Employees Association Director Jes Kraus says the union has a plan to help the state deal with the budget deficit without eliminating hundreds of jobs.

The union’s proposal calls for a one year pay freeze with no cost of living adjustment for two years.

There would also be savings in a wellness program, meal and tuition reimbursement, changes to the furlough system and other savings.

If implemented, the union estimates the cuts would save about $19.7 million, or about $2,600 for each employee in the affected branches of the union.

Kraus says he hopes the proposal could reduce or eliminate the need to cut up to 660 state jobs.