Mayor Bloomberg says New York City will seek bids within days for its multibillion-dollar health insurance contracts.
The step comes amid a standoff between the city and unions over expired contracts.
Bloomberg re-emphasized his stance on the labor issues during a speech Tuesday.
He wants more city employees to contribute to their health insurance. He also wants changes to a pension system he says is becoming too costly.
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Teachers, jail officers and many other city employees have been working with expired contracts, some for several years.
Bloomberg's administration has said it would reach contracts if workers forgo back raises and pay more for health insurance.
Union leaders have said Bloomberg is spurning workers. Some mayoral candidates say he's leaving an expensive problem for his successor.
Copyright The Associated Press
