Puerto Rico gov\'t lay offs over 16,000 workers

The Puerto Rican government has announced plans to lay off more than 16,000 public sector workers in November.



The government says the job cuts are necessary to help to close a multi-billion dollar deficit as the island struggles through its third year of recession and a 15 per cent unemployment rate.



The President of the Government Development Bank of Puerto Rico, Carlos Garcia, says the layoffs are also needed to prevent the government from shutting down and sinking the island\'s credit.



Meanwhile, Union leaders in San Juan have announced an island-wide strike next month in protest against the government’s plans.