Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced today he's sending pink slips to more than 600 municpal workers because their unions didn't agree to work-rule changes that would save up to $12 million this year.
"I took the steps because I can not wish away this budget shortfall," Emanuel says.
Among those receiving notices are seasonal street sweepers, custodians and workers at the Water Department call center.
The city is required to give 30 days notice to workers that will be laid off, and employers often issue the notices to cover themselves in situations where layoffs may be necessary. The pink slips are also a tried-and-true bargainaing tactic.
As the Sun-Times notes, the unions could put forward a cost-saving proposal that would make the layoffs unnecessary.
The Chicago Federation of Labor's Jorge Ramirez is set to speak about the notices at a 1:30 presser. I'll update then.