Cement masons agree to work rule changes

CHICAGO — A building trades union has agreed to work rules changes requested by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to save jobs.

The decision by Cement Masons Local 502 to accept time-and-half for overtime, instead of double-time, may save the jobs of six members targeted for layoff.

Earlier this month Emanuel said the city will lay off as many as 625 workers to save as much as $12 million this year. The mayor is working to close the city's $31 million budget gap.

Chicago Federation of Labor President Jorge Ramirez on Monday denied the cement masons' decision represented a break in labor solidarity. He said the labor organization has "never said no" to work-rule changes.

Ramirez on Tuesday plans to unveil his group's plan for cost saving alternatives to work rule changes.