City to layoff 1,500 without union agreement

CHICAGO — Officials from the City of Chicago, which faces a $250 million budget shortfall, claim they have no other option than to layoff 1,500 city employees, according to WQAD-TV.

Officials say the layoffs are a necessity to save money because American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union leaders have not agreed to cost-saving measures proposed by the city, the story stated.

The city, which sent advance layoff notices to city workers, has proposed that union workers agree to unpaid furlough days to lessen the city''s monetary burden, the story noted.

According to the story, union workers boycotted a scheduled meeting with Mayor Richard Daley earlier this week, showing that they have little to no interest in negotiating.

The layoffs, which would be effective July 15, will save the city $34 million in 2009, the story added.

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