Linden to cut police, firefighters to close budget gap

LINDEN, N.J. (WABC) -- Dozens of police officers and firefighters in one New Jersey city will be out of a job by the end of the spring.

The layoffs are set to take effect in Linden on July 1.

The Linden City Council approved the layoffs of 21 officers and 32 firefighters in an effort to close a $5.2 million budget deficit.

During a hearing before the vote Tuesday night, the police and fire unions argued the layoffs will compromise public safety.

The mayor blamed the unions for refusing to make concessions. He says the layoffs can still be avoided if the unions agree to pay and benefit givebacks within the next few months.

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