About 1,000 city employees could be laid off and 3,000 vacant positions eliminated under Mayor Richard Daley’s effort to balance the city’s budget. Union leaders briefed on the plan say about 300 members of the Laborers Union Local 1001, whose members work in the Department of Streets and Sanitation, are among those expected to be laid off.
The move could mean less frequent garbage collection and tree trimming. Local 1001 business manager Lou Phillips said collecting garbage less often could lead to the creation of a rodent problem and a dirtier downtown business district.
The mayor plans to unveil his 2009 budget Oct. 15.
Aldermen have said the Daley administration is preparing them for a difficult budget with the city facing an estimated $420 million shortfall.
Police and fire positions could be included in the 3,000 eliminated vacancies.
Alderman Ed Smith (28th) said Monday that the administration expects revenues to continue to decline for at least the next two years, but officials have ruled out a tax increase. AP
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