Milwaukee County employees will continue to work 40 hours per week, despite the furloughs approved by County Executive Scott Walker.

Employees started their 35 hour work week on Monday. 

However, an arbitrator decided the county executive could not cut workers' hours.

Walker says the move could have saved nearly $7 million/year.

"We hope this will serve to send a message, and that in the future he will come to the bargaining table and he will meet with us and treat us with some dignity," said Milwaukee District Council 48 Executive Director Richard Abelson.

The arbitrator also ordered the county to pay back pay to employees.

The confusion surrounding the furlough meant long lines outside the courthouse Monday morning. 

The 35-hour work week meant the doors didn't open until 8:30 a.m., but many showed up thinking they could get in at 8:00.