Puerto Rico Gov\'t delays job cuts

Officials in Puerto Rico say the government has delayed the laying off of more than 7,000 public sector workers until next year.



The government employees were scheduled to be laid off this week.



The decision comes as a judge reviews dozens of complaints that the US territory\'s government did not follow proper procedure in issuing dismissal letters.



Carlos Garcia, the president of the board overseeing the layoffs, says the authorities decided to halt the layoffs of thousands of workers to ensure their rights are protected.



Those workers will remain in their positions until January, which will give the government time to properly notify unions.



Governor Luis Fortuno has said the cuts in the government work force are needed to help narrow a $3 billion budget deficit.