Emanuel announces up to 625 layoffs

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he’s going to lay off up to 625 city workers, a move he says will save $10 million to $12 million for the rest of this year.

Emanuel says he gave the city’s unions until Friday to come up with proposals to avoid the cuts, and they haven’t produced any.

The layoffs will affect the call center at the city’s water department, custodial services at the airports and libraries, and the seasonal workforce in the transportation department.

Some of those jobs will be transferred to private companies.

Emanuel is trying to close a $31 million budget gap he says was created by the expiration of furlough days for city workers.

He says he didn’t create the problem but will resolve it.