NYC EMS Workers Brace For Layoffs As City Grapples With Budget Crisis

TOPLINE

The head of New York City’s emergency medical services union said Wednesday the city was planning to lay off hundreds of first responders as Mayor Bill de Blasio attempts to deal with the city’s growing budget crisis amid the coronavirus pandemic.

KEY FACTS

Key Background

New York City hasn’t seen municipal layoffs since 2012, when close to 1,000 city workers lost their jobs. In the 1970s, when the city was close to bankruptcy, the government workforce dropped by 45,000 employees, roughly 20%. There are currently over 300,000 people on the city’s payroll.

Surprising Fact

The New York City Police Department, which has a $6 billion budget, won’t be asked to lay off personnel, though they will be responsible for cutting other areas.

Further Reading

New York City emergency medical workers prepare for layoffs (NBC)

‘People will die’: EMS union chief on NYC’s plan to ax first responders (New York Post)

Amid negotiations with labor unions, de Blasio moves closer to layoffs (Politico)

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