By Mike Dunn

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A city judge has rejected a request by the firefighters’ union to halt the Nutter Administration’s plan to forcibly transfer dozens of senior firefighters to new stations.

The union had wanted a temporary injunction on the transfers, which are expected next month, while they file an arbitration grievance over the plan.

During a daylong hearing, senior firefighters testified that the plan would destroy morale in the department. Deputy Chief James Bonner called the plan ‘horrendous’ and said it could impact public safety.

But the Fire Commissioner, Lloyd Ayers, took the stand and defended the plan as necessary to bring new hires into all parts of the city. After more than five hours of testimony, Common Pleas Judge Leon Tucker turned down the union.

He said while the transfers would undoubtedly be painful for some, the city is “within its managerial rights to make these transfers.”