EMT, Paramedics Say NYC Punished Them for Covid-19 Speech (1)

The Fire Department of the City of New York allegedly benched an EMT and three paramedics unlawfully for publicly voicing their concerns about their dangerous working conditions as the Covid-19 pandemic spiraled out of control in the city, the workers and their union allege in a new federal lawsuit.

Local 2507, DC 37, AFSCME president Oren Barzilay is also a plaintiff in the suit, in his official capacity. FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro is a defendant, along with the city.

The suit says the suspension of EMT John Rugen and the placement of paramedics Elizabeth Bonilla, Alexander Nunez, and Megan Pfeiffer ...