Emanuel: Work-Rule Changes or Layoffs are Coming

AP Photo.Brian Kersey

Drawing a line in the sand on furlough days as a way of balancing the second half of this year's city budget, Mayor Emanuel announced today that labor unions doing business with City Hall have two choices: either agree to $20 million in savings through work-rule changes or he'll be forced "on behalf of the taxpayers" to lay off 625 workers.

Emanuel is faced with a $30 million addition to the budget deficit if City Hall and the Chicago Federation of Labor cannot come to an agreement. The gaping maw of a budget hole was left behind by Richard Daley and contingent on the premise that labor unions would continue with their agreement of furlough days and comp time in exchange for cash overtime. That agreement expires at midnight.

Emanuel said he identified to labor unions $20 million in savings through workplace efficiencies and work-rule changes to counter the furlough days he said have only led to lower morale and haven't balanced any budget. Labor unions have 10 days to come up with their own plan to shave $20 million.

"I need them to be a partner in this," Emanuel said.

Emanuel wouldn't say if he would send out layoff notices while labor unions are working on their own plan for cuts.