FLINT -- Mayor Dayne Walling announced the layoffs Wedneseday saying the city offered cost saving measures in contract negotiations with public safety unions but an agreement could not be reached.
Firefighter Union officials say they would agree to nearly 15% in concessions if the city could guarantee no more layoffs and agree to give back their concessions and the end of the contract, but union officials say the city said no.
"They don't want the benefits we give up to be part of the bargaining no more, so the next time all I'm going to have is wages. Once we lose a benefit they're gone," said Fire Union President Raul Garcia.
Despite this stall, firefighter say this isn't just about money.
"We're truly concerned about the citizens about my effectiveness to respond to emergencies if we continue to have more layoffs," said Flint Firefighter Rico Phillips.
The city is looking to save $ 995,000 dollars from the public safety's budget to close the gap of the city's 8-million dollar deficit.
Union officials and city leaders head back to the bargaining table on Monday.
The layoffs take effect in two weeks.
