Judge blocks firefighter layoffs in Atlantic City takeover

TRENTON -- In the first legal battle since New Jersey implemented its controversial takeover of Atlantic City, a state Superior Court judge on Thursday temporarily blocked the state from imposing 100 layoffs and union contract changes in the city's fire department.

Judge Julio Mendez of Atlantic County issued a restraining order against the state a day after the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 198 re-filed a lawsuit to prevent the layoffs, a new work schedule, and deep cuts to benefits.

Menendez issued the order after the state's attorney said in a letter Thursday that the state would not implement the layoffs until September and would delay the changes to pay, hours, and benefits until Feb. 19.

Lisa Ryan, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Community Affairs, which oversees the takeover, said the restraining order "doesn't change the state's timetable for advancing reforms of Atlantic City's firefighters' contracts."

Read more: http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/02/judge_blocks_firefighter_layoffs_in_atlantic_city.html