Hundreds of EMT and paramedic jobs hang in the balance in New York City.
They were on the frontlines against COVID-19, but now they’re fighting to keep their jobs.
The city lost $9 billion in tax revenue since the start of the pandemic, so Mayor Bill de Blasio is threatening 22,000 municipal worker layoffs, including hundreds of first responders.
These essential workers, union leaders and politicians held a rally Thursday at Foley Square to protest the plan.
“We have been treated as heroes, essential workers, and now we’re just basically zeros,” EMT Bryon Melo said.
“People did not want to leave their houses, and we were out there. We were all over,” said Sgt. Joe Puleo.
“Their thank you from the city of New York is a possible pink slip,” added Michael Greco, vice president of Local 2507.
Every day, EMTs and paramedics play a critical role in saving the lives of New Yorkers.