In an effort to save millions in the state budget, Governor Cuomo proposes laying off almost 10,000 state employees. Our Erin Connolly has reaction from union leaders.

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ALBANY, N.Y. -- The possibility of laying off state workers has been talked about for months, but now it looks like Governor Cuomo is moving ahead with that plan, much to the disappointment of the unions.

CSEA President Danny Donahue said, ''This is obscene. It's an attempt by the governor to make people frightened. Well, you've done that. You've gotten people frightened, but you've also identified yourself as the biggest bully on the block.''

Strong words from CSEA President Danny Donahue in reaction to Governor Cuomo's proposal to lay off 9,800 state workers in order to save $450 million. Wednesday, heads of state agencies received a memo from the Budget Division, urging them to prepare for those layoffs.

Donahue said, ''In my humble opinion, layoffs mean the government has failed. Layoffs mean the governor has failed because there has to be a better way.''

The memo made it clear the first round of layoffs would take effect July 15 and would be done in waves. By June 13, state agencies are asked to provide a list of specific jobs that would be impacted by the workforce reductions. Some employees in positions slated to be eliminated could be eligible for transfer.

Donahue said, ''When did a cafeteria worker, or a school bus driver, or someone cleaning the street become the enemy?''

State worker contracts expired April 1, and since then reps for Cuomo and the unions have been trying to negotiate a deal.

In a statement, PEF President Ken Brynien said, "We offered givebacks equal to what the governor asked for, but that wasn't enough. Apparently, it's Cuomo's way or no way, and it's the state work force and its citizens who rely on the services state employees provide who will pay the price.''

Union leaders say it's tough to be optimistic, but they will continue to fight for an alternative to crippling their own members.

Donahue said, ''We're willing to work with the governor on doing things we maybe wouldn't have done in the past, but we're not going to give up everything we have. That's crazy.''

Officials with the governor's office tell us law enforcement and public safety agencies would be least affected by the proposed reductions.

Read the layoff memo: