Suspended T safety chief responds

Gallo was suspended with pay Thursday, according to a state transportation official. The official would not explain why Cynthia Gallo was suspended, other than saying the investigation involved "misrepresentation regarding an employment matter" and that it was not related to a recent review that was critical of the MBTA's ability to pay for needed safety improvements.

Here is the statement to the Globe today from Gallo's attorney, Inga Bernstein:

"Ms. Gallo has done nothing wrong. She is being targeted because she filed a complaint at the MCAD after the T failed to address serious gender pay equity problems and because she has continued to push the T to deal with these problems.

"Unfortunately, the retaliation has very serious safety implications for the T; basically, they froze her out and made her a persona non grata because of her complaints, at a time when it has needed her knowledge and expertise more than ever.

"One can only hope that the T will realize it's making a big mistake but, frankly, historically that's not been their strong suit. I'm sure the truth will all come out in the end but, in the meantime, what they are doing is illegal and is causing unwarranted harm to Ms. Gallo. It's also all incredibly upsetting and painful for Ms. Gallo."