New London, CT (WFSB/AP) -
A Superior Court judge has halted the layoffs of 25 New London firefighters that were scheduled to take effect Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
The firefighters who were to lose their jobs accounted for one-third of the city's fire department.The decision to lay off the firefighters was made Monday night after the New London City Council decided not to act on the concession agreement.
An amended contract would have reduced mandatory staffing levels on each shift and eliminated two planned raises in exchange for keeping the jobs.
New London Mayor Daryl Finizio said the city respects the judge's decision and will follow the process.
Firefighters being laid off included Alfred Mayo, who recently became the first African-American hired by the department in 34 years. Mayo lost his job last December, but was rehired after a report found he was subjected to racial discrimination at the fire academy.
Copyright 2012 WFSB (Meredith Corporation). The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved.
