Article: Walker warns of layoffs, pay cuts County executive seeks concessions with unions to balance 2010 budget

By STEVE SCHULTZE

It's not just a matter of no more raises for Milwaukee County's 5,000 workers, according to County Executive Scott Walker. Pay cuts or layoffs may also now be necessary, he said.

He also said he'll press for benefit reductions as a way to help balance the 2010 budget, shaping up to be the worst in years.

"There is no way we can be looking at any further contracts that have a wage and benefit increase because we just can't afford it," Walker said Friday.

If he's unable to win labor concessions, then he could be forced to lay off employees, the county executive said.

The ongoing recession and a looming $90 million Milwaukee County budget shortfall is spawning the gloomy talk. ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!