Layoffs Back in Force in Detroit

Two weeks after he rescinded about 700 temporary layoffs in what he described as a goodwill gesture towards AFSCME union members, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano has reinstated the cuts. Ficano has been in negotiations with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees since the beginning of the year in an ongoing struggle to balance Wayne County’s budget. The reinstated layoffs, which will put 700 out of work from June 30 to July 11 and from August 27 to September 12, are in response to the AFSCME union’s refusal this week to accept a 10 percent pay cut. Workers will lose both pay and health coverage during the temporary layoffs.