MTA to Hold Public Hearings Regarding Layoffs

In the latest chapter of what has become an unfortunate epic for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the MTA agreed yesterday to a court-ordered round of public hearings regarding the firings of about 200 subway station employees in May. The MTA had planned to lay off an additional 200 people this month in a continuing attempt to balance its budget but all such plans are now on hold pending the hearings.

The union representing the transit workers has contended that it is illegal for MTA to lay off employees without a public hearing. MTA Chairman Jay Walder said that not going ahead with the layoffs is costing New York City over $40,000 per day.