The Nation : Massive Layoffs in Yonkers Approved

The city of Yonkers, N.Y., which faces $1 million-a-day fines starting Friday, will begin laying off hundreds of employees as part of a “doomsday plan” to delay bankruptcy, state officials said. The fines stem from the City Council’s refusal to approve a housing desegregation plan ordered by a federal judge. Under the spending-reduction plan approved by the state Emergency Financial Control Board, the city Parks Department and public library will shut down Saturday; the Planning Department will virtually close, with just two employees staying on, and $3.7 million in employee fringe benefits will be cut. The layoffs of 447 employees Saturday also will come from the departments of real estate, civil service, fiscal services and public works.