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San Diego Teachers Union to Fight Layoff Attempts

San Diego teachers union leaders will fight any attempt by the school district to layoff local teachers. District officials announced plans yesterday for widespread layoffs because of the Governor's p

San Diego Teachers Union to Fight Layoff Attempts

San Diego teachers union leaders will fight any attempt by the school district to layoff local teachers. District officials announced plans yesterday for widespread layoffs because of the governor's proposed budget cuts. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has the story.

San Diego school district officials are trying to figure out how many teachers will get a notice. Under state law, the newest teachers will be the first to go.

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Union president Camille Zombro says unions have the right to challenge the layoffs. She's disappointed the district is not standing up for teachers.

Zombro : Where is that message of: "this is what we're being told and this is what and we're going to do to make sure that it doesn't happen." That's what I want all of our leaders to say. They need to be angry and organized and we need to get out together and make sure that it doesn't happen.

But district officials say they have no other option but to cut people. Five years ago the prospect of severe budget cuts meant 1,400 teachers received pink slips. None were let go because other cuts were made and some funding was restored.

Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.