THE MBTA IS LAYING OFF workers to help close an $80 million operating deficit.
T officials said the layoffs are part of a larger effort to streamline operations by eliminating 300 corporate and administrative positions. The MBTA’s annual report, released on Dec. 15, said 174 positions had been eliminated through voluntary buyouts and retirements, generating $14 million in savings. The report indicated another 126 positions would need to be eliminated by the end of the fiscal year at the end of June.
One source said 25 people were laid off on Thursday, including many from the T’s call center and its marketing and customer service operations. The T has been exploring outsourcing its call center operations.
The layoffs affect nonunion workers as well members of Local 453 of the Office and Professional Employees International Union and the T Executives Association. Officials said those workers with bumping rights will be offered other positions, including bus operator jobs, where turnover creates a lot of vacancies.
MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo said the agency has been upfront about the need for staff reductions to deal with the $80 million operating deficit. “No new news here,” he said in an emailed statement.
As long as we can bring the deficit down in a reasonable way I’m all for it!
DEFICIT?? How about the giant financial hole they’ve been in since Baker said”. Hey who wants 4 billion dollars in debt, oh MBTA you do. Here you go. Good luck”
That is the first basic problem that no one has addressed. That is the root of the problem. Why?
Why did baker give this debt?
Why is no one is talking about it?
Why he is getting of Scott free?
Why is the MBTA still paying this debt?
Who are the people that own the loans given to the MBTA?
UTIMATLY. Why should these people loose their jobs because Baker did the wrong thing thirty years ago?