City of Chicago reduces size of layoffs

The number of layoffs by the city of Chicago may not be as great as first believed.

The Daley administration announced Monday it would reduce the number of proposed city layoffs by 145 positions.

Last month, Mayor Richard Daley announced plans to lay off 929 city workers and eliminate nearly 1,350 vacant jobs to help cover a $469 million shortfall.

City officials said the reduction in the number of layoffs was the result of negotiations with labor unions that represent city workers.

The city's laborers agreed to take an unpaid furlough day. In return, the city offered buyout incentives of $5,000 to $15,000 to union employees with at least 10 years of experience. Officials said that could save even more jobs.