A new plan was proposed by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom to combat his cities $522 million deficit. The plan would reduce the workweek from 40 hours to 37.5 hours for a large number of the 26,000 full-time city employees. The proposal would limit the number of complete layoffs and would not affect most benefits. Some officials have already come out in favor of the plan, though they cautioned against favoring some sectors over others when it comes to layoffs. A spokesman for the Mayor said that the plan is designed to be the least disruptive to workers and to the city residents. Newsom has the power to make the cuts after conferring with labor leaders. The plan is expected to save about $50 million.
See "Mayor would cut San Francisco workers' week to save cash", Heather Knight, San Francisco Chronicle, February 8, 2010