City workers get pay increases despite deficit

CHICAGO The raises will go to Department of Streets and Sanitation ward superintendents. However, unionized workers have been asked by the Daley administration they have to make sacrifices -- and possibly face layoffs -- to balance City Hall's books.

Chicago Federation of Labor President Dennis Gannon said labor leaders met Wednesday with aides to Mayor Richard Daley. He said union leaders shot down the suggestion of changes to their contracts with the city, which set forth overtime and other work rules.

Union officials said Daley's aides told them the city will try to increase revenues by raising fees and aggressively chasing debtors, such as parking ticket scofflaws.