The University of Massachusetts Boston has announced it is letting 36 union employees go. All are support staff. The layoffs come as the city's only public university moves closer to balancing its budget.

The staff union had urged the university to "chop from the top" and reduce the number of high-paid administrators.

Earlier this year, the university faced a $30 million deficit. The administration has already eliminated 130 positions and several course sections, closing that gap to $18 million.

The staff union says the latest cuts demonstrate failed leadership and it's asking UMass president Marty Meehan to reverse the decision.

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