Thousands public workers rally in New York against proposed budget cuts

The rally, dubbed "Save Our City," featured members from some 100 city public-sector unions protesting Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed cuts to various services.

Chanting "We are New York," the gathering voiced their concern and anger over the potential loss of thousands of workers -- including teachers, firefighters and sanitation workers.

Workers who attended the rally said they wanted politicians to know they're concerned about their livelihoods.

"Mayor Bloomberg wants to cut everybody's life. It's hard to live now, so everybody needs their job," said a union member.

In a statement released Wednesday, New York City government said: "Just like any household hit by tough times, the city has to continue to tighten its belt, and that means reducing the amount of taxpayer dollars spent."

Bloomberg has asserted that the cuts have to be made in order to close a 4.9 billion-dollar budget gap, Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.xinhuanet.com