NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Metro workers are feeling the effects of the bonuses they won't bring home this year. Longevity pay used to give extra boost to employee paychecks based on their service, but that isn't happening anymore because of the current recession.

Video: Metro Workers Take Second Jobs To Cushion Cut

For years, veteran Metro employees were used to a holiday boost this time of year to be able to afford presents under the tree. But now they face the reality of this year's budget cuts.

Some Metro workers are now taking on second jobs to cushion the cut of their longevity pay and bonus this year. Union representative Benny Goolsby works with about half of them.

"(Metro employees are) either delivering pizza or picking up some little side job to where they can supplement their income," said Goolsby.

But while some workers said this could cost them a Merry Christmas, Channel 4 News spoke with workers at Metro Water who said no longevity means just the opposite for their department.

"A lot of our employees were thinking, 'If I can lose my longevity to save a co-worker's position, I would rather do that and let them support their families and still have a job,'" said Public Water Department spokeswoman Sonia Harvat.

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean proposed cutting longevity pay to maintain Metro's budget. Despite cuts, state workers are still getting their longevity checks.

Tuesday, Channel 4 asked Dean about the longevity pay cuts and if it would be permanent, but he would not comment.