Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to Unions: Take a Pay Cut or Face Lay-Offs

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In the wake of last weeks order to cut 1,000 jobs, Villaraigosa said unless unions agree to pay cuts, he may have to slash another 1,200 to 2,000 jobs for the following year, according to KPCC radio.

"I know that in the past, the history of the city is that our employee unions have never taken a cut. They maybe defer, but not a cut. They've taken zeroes, not a cut. It's time to take a cut. ‘Cause that will minimize layoffs," the mayor told KPCC.

The mayor says he's opposed to cutting officers from the police department saying public safety is a top priority.

The city faces a $200 million deficit and an even larger one next year.