Mayor Mike Johnston said layoffs are needed to help close a $50 million deficit for the rest of this year, as well as a projected $200 million shortfall in 2026. The expected layoffs were announced last month.

An Australian court has fined airline giant Qantas a record A$90m (£43m; $59m) for illegally sacking more than 1,800 ground workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Australia's Transport Workers' Union said it welcomed the penalty,