Chicago union workers face layoffs

CHICAGO, June 5 (UPI) -- The city of Chicago plans to send out layoff notices next week unless a deal on concessions is reached with the city's labor unions, an official says.

Chief Financial Officer Gene Saffold told a news conference that the unions must agree to furloughs and other cost-cutting measures if they want to avoid job losses in the wake of a major budget shortfall, the Chicago Tribune reported Friday.

Saffold did not say how many layoffs were needed or what city departments would be affected.

Non-union city employees have already been told to take 17 days of unpaid leave.

"The reality is we won't be able to address this shortfall without reducing personnel costs," said Saffold. "We will continue to talk to the unions so we can do everything we can to avoid layoffs."