Newark Sanitation Workers ‘Protest’ Looming Layoffs

On Wednesday 40 Newark sanitation workers gathered in an attempt to work for free on their designated furlough day. The offer was made to help raise public support and awareness for their situation.

The workers are scheduled to permanently lose their jobs in three weeks, owing to a $83 million city budget crisis this year, and a pending $100 million projected loss for next year.

“If it comes down to $5 million to $10 million in savings — I’m sorry, that’s a huge savings,” said Mayor Cory Booker. “If I can give the residents the same level of service for $5 million less … that’s the tough decision I was elected to make.”