Hundreds of Detroit workers protest Bing's proposed cuts

The Detroit News reports:

In what is considered one of the biggest protests outside of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center in recent history, hundreds of city workers picketed, showing their angst over the proposed cuts by Mayor Dave Bing.

Bing said he will lay off 1,000 workers in the next few weeks and needs the city's unions to take a 10 percent pay cut by Aug. 28 to stave off receivership and shrink a budget deficit estimated at $350 million.

"These layoffs are unfair to a lot of people," said Tim Barbee, vice president of AFSCME Local 229, which represents the fleet maintenance workers in most departments except D-DOT and water. "They should start at the top. Our people out here do a good job every day. We're the backbone of the city."

Union workers began to gather shortly after 4 p.m. with signs that read "Mayor Resign Now" and "No Pink Slips." Bing's opponent in the Nov. 3 general election, Tom Barrow, told the group it's time to take the city back.

Great moments in Blue America.