Updated 05/04/2010 11:25 PM
Transit Workers Protest Layoffs And Service Cuts
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About 1,000 members of the Transport Workers Union gathered for a rally Tuesday by Pennsylvania Station to denounce the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s planned layoffs and service cuts.
The TWU Local 100 workers who gathered on Eighth Avenue say the MTA's plans to cut 500 station agents will lead to increases in subway crime and fare evaders and leave tourists without guidance.
"I just don’t like the way it was handled. You know, we weren’t given a sufficient amount of time to prepare ourselves for this," said one protesting union worker. "I have a family, I’m getting married Friday, so it’s unfortunate that I have to plan such a beautiful event around this time."
"If they actually visited the stations that they want to change the staff, they would never want to do this," said another.
The Reverend Jesse Jackson addressed the protesting crowd.