Mayor would cut San Francisco city workers' week to save cash

The idea, which sprouted in the mayor's budget office and was described to his department heads Monday, would reduce the workweek for a large swath of the city's 26,000 full-time employees from 40 hours to 37.5.

Newsom's budget office estimates that paying workers for 2.5 fewer hours of work each week would save more than $50 million a year as the city grapples with how to close a devastating $522 million budget gap for the 2010-11 fiscal year.

Health and vacation benefits would not be affected, though pensions - which are calculated based on workers' salaries - would reflect the shaved schedules.

"We have to look at unprecedented tools to close an unprecedented shortfall," said Tony Winnicker, spokesman for the mayor. "These times call for unusual measures, so we have to look at all options."

The mayor has the authority under the city charter to reduce workweeks after consulting with union leaders, and the plan doesn't need approval from the Board of Supervisors. Layoffs, though largely a formality, would be required because 40-hour workweeks are inscribed in union contracts with the city.