The biggest development in MOU 8 and 17 bargaining occurred not at our table but with EAA’s tentative agreement that includes some of the worst givebacks in the history of the City, including:
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Unprecedented health care concessions will cap the City’s contribution at $1,064 per month–the first such cap accepted by any City union–passing any increases in future years to employees; co-pay increase to $20; Flex Credit eliminated; EAA members excluded from Benefits JLMC. -
Zero protections against layoffs or contracting out,
like those contained in Article 2.10 of the SEIU/Coalition contract. -
Permanent changes to the pension structure,
with immediate 6% contributions for everyone, with the intent of creating a two-tier pension system with retirees paying for health care -
A one-year term that doesn’t attack the causes of the City’s ongoing budget problem, gives the City more of EAA members’ money to spend at will, leaves our EAA coworkers vulnerable amid continuing dire economic projections, and fully reopens their contract next June.
Bad for the City, Bad for Workers
This contract has disastrous long-term implications for LA City employees, yet EAA is rushing ratification to prevent our colleagues from decertifying and sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with us at the bargaining table.
EAA claims these givebacks are unavoidable given the current economic climate. Our MOU 8 and 17 bargaining teams stand united against bringing members a contract proposal that sets our City back decades and embraces the CAO’s vision for a second-class LA, with a cheap workforce and stripped-down, privatized services.
Bargaining for a Better Future
At our own bargaining tables on July 21 we went through both MOUs with the City’s negotiators article by article, clarifying our positions and finding common ground where it benefits our members. We continue to push a positive vision for an efficient, service-oriented city:
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Cost-effective services motivated by quality and public accountability, not corporate profit margins -
Bringing work in-house and challenging abusive contracting practices -
Jobs and benefits that sustain families and build communities
Reminder: Our current MOU with all its protections continues in force during negotiations. Report any violations to our stewards, Worksite Organizer Paul Kim [paul.kim@seiu721.org or 213-280-0723] or the Member Action Center at (877) 721-4YOU [4968].
Do you want to work for a second-class city? Click here to SIGN YOUR NAME TO DEMAND THE PLAN.