PITTSBURGH -- Official word about city layoffs finally trickled down to the workforce Friday morning.
The Department Of Public Works, which handles street and park cleaning, maintenance and garbage collection, will lose more than 50 employees. Twenty-one emergency medical technicians have also been laid off, while five EMTs are being promoted to paramedic.
Last week, a tearful Mayor Tom Murphy announced that 731 workers citywide would be cut to help balance a $60 million budget deficit. Friday was the day that many of those employees officially learned their fate.
After getting their layoff notices Friday morning, EMTs rallied outside the City-County Building in downtown Pittsburgh. Horns honked from passing vehicles as "Save Our EMTs" signs and "Fire Mayor Murphy" shirts were displayed.
Click here to see pictures from the emotional rally.
Layoff notices will continue going out all day. As department supervisors get the word, they will tell their employees.
For some, the layoffs could be effective immediately. For others, because of union contracts, Friday could mark a 30-day notice that their positions are being terminated.
Public Works Director Guy Costa said the layoffs in his department will lead to reductions in services. He said bulk garbage pickup will likely be cut back to once a month, and street sweeping and litter pickup will be done less often.
The Police Bureau had been targeted for 102 layoffs, but the city and the Fraternal Order of Police reached a deal this week to have 52 officers take early retirement instead.
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Kelly Frey Reports From Downtown
