WASHINGTON, D.C. : Federal Workers Hit Proposal to Cut Jobs

Leaders of two major federal employee unions faulted the Clinton Administration’s proposed cut of 252,000 government jobs over the next five years, saying the Administration was too optimistic that the reduction could be made without hurting programs and services. But the union leaders stopped short of outright criticism, and Clinton Administration officials stressed that the “reinventing government” initiative led by Vice President Al Gore should not be sidetracked by a debate over jobs but remain focused on the elimination of red tape. The initiative, which seeks to save $108 billion over five years, is scheduled for release Tuesday. It would reduce the civil service by 12%, bringing it below the 2-million mark for the first time since 1966.