As LA County Negotiations Start, Much Hinges on the State Budget
by Linda Dent
Chair of the Los Angeles County Bargaining Policy Committee
Facing an additional $1.5 billion cut to LA County if Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed state budget is passed, county management was not prepared to give SEIU members proposals at our first negotiation session Thursday, July 18. County managers said they had to wait until Sacramento legislators pass a budget.
Both parties acknowledged that the severe economic situation required a cooperative approach, but SEIU members cautioned the county not to take advantage of the financial crisis by implementing actions, such as laying off library aids and pages or unlawfully cancelling employee compensation, such as bilingual pay, when such moves are not justified at this time.
We presented some of our first, non-economic proposals, including clarification of the grievance procedure and improvements regarding leaves of absences and classification studies. At the next bargaining session for contract language that affects every LA County member, we will discuss steward rights and the practice of contracting county services to private companies.
Upcoming Dates:
July 2 - Negotiations on common language
July 16 - Negotiations on fringe benefits (health care and retirement) and common language
July 30 - Negotiations on fringe benefits and common language
Individual bargaining unit will start negotiating in mid-July. Our contract expires September 30, 2009
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