LA City workers went to City Hall to press elected officials to implement the Better Way for LA agreement that can save more than $2 billion over five years as the council discusses layoffs, pension cuts and privatization of city services at budget meetings. Here’s what they said:
“We’ve given the city the tools to fix this problem, they have to start using them.”
>> Bob Schoonover, SEIU 721 President and Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic
“These cuts will lead to fewer services, which mean littered parks, unpaved streets, potholes and tree debris covering our neighborhoods after a rainstorm. It is not a pretty picture for the City of Los Angeles.”
>> Lance Delaney, lead senior gardener for the Recreation and Parks Department
“We prosecute crimes, we defend the city against lawsuits. We also generate money for the city. Losing 100 city attorneys would significantly affect all of that.”
>> Oscar Winslow, deputy city attorney and president of the Los Angeles City Attorneys Association
“If the City Council cuts back on security, they risk jeopardizing the safety of employees and visitors at many of our city buildings.”
>> Khalid Abd-Rahman, security officer, Office of Public Safety
We Found Solutions, Use Them
Workers found an alternative to layoffs, which would hurt our local economy and devastate our city. That means moving quickly to implement the $2 billion savings in savings the City Council approved last year.
• The city has dragged its feet in implementing the agreement approved by the City Council and city workers. Speeding up early retirements can save millions right now.
• City workers are more cost-effective than private contractors. The agreement calls for contracting for tree trimming and street repair between departments, instead of throwing money away on expensive contracts.
Take Action
1. Be heard: Come to City Council on Wednesday, February 3, at 10 AM as the City Council takes a key vote on proposed layoffs.
2. Get Updates: Join the Budget Crisis Response Team for email updates and meeting notices
3. Learn more: Click here to read letters the Coalition sent the City opposing layoff proposals