Statement by Lillian Roberts, Executive Director, District Council 37 regarding lay-off notices

"It is regrettable that the Mayor has dismissed union proposals in such a high-handed manner, and resorted instead to layoffs. The MLC has put perfectly reasonable proposals on the table that met or exceeded the Mayor's dollar demands. Yet the Mayor arbitrarily turned his back on these proposals preferring to put people out on the street instead. He preferred to pursue these insensitive policies rather than engage in meaningful discussions. Layoffs will only compound his problems by endangering city services at a time of terrorist threats and will lead to an increase in the City's welfare rolls. Is this really the result the Mayor is seeking to achieve?

"He has not only chosen to ignore proposals from the MLC, but from individual unions as well without ever thoroughly analyzing or discussing these proposals. We have issued three White Paper reports showing how the City could save close to $1 billion by ending contracts. The Mayor needs to recognize the real savings that could come from ending these expensive contracts rather than laying off our loyal, hard-working city employees.

"In addition, we recently issued a poll showing that more than three quarters of New York City registered voters are opposed to Mayor Bloomberg's proposal to lay off municipal workers in order to balance the City's budget. Nearly 90% of New York City's voters believe that the City should cut private contractors and consultants instead of laying off city workers.

"It is time the Mayor paid attention to what the unions and New York City's registered voters are saying. We will pursue all legal avenues and other actions to fight these callous layoffs. We are calling for a hearing on displacements. We will not allow city workers to be replaced with contract workers. We will fight for our members in the courts and in the streets."