The Early Retirement Incentive Plan that City workers fought for and won will protect City residents from drastic service cuts this year by preventing thousands of layoffs and hundreds of hours of service cuts per worker. It will save the City $267 million next year and $1.2 billion over five years.
ERIP News
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 2,414 LA City workers have elected to take the ERIP, with an additional 420 retirees who retired between passage of the Better Way agreement on June 26 and the opening of the window on November 2 eligible to be grandfathered. The window closes on December 16 at 5 pm.
Members should continue to submit applicants if they want to take ERIP and are eligible. Some workers who've applied might decide not to take it, or might not be qualified. Also, City Council has reserved the right to expand the numbers of employees allowed to retire under ERIP.
Sign Up in Person: City Hall East, Room 1200, weekdays from 8am to 5 pm (except holidays)
Sign Up Online: erip.lacity.org.
If you have questions call 311 or e-mail erip@lacity.org. Or contact your Steward or Worksite Organizer, or call the SEIU Member Resource Center at (877) 721-4YOU [4968].
Useful Documents
"Why I Signed Up for ERIP"
City workers were there for the final City Council vote approving ERIP on October 30, when Council members thanked them for doing their part for the City.
"City workers day in and day out give of their service, and give of their hearts and souls to the public," said Council President Eric Garcetti.
On the first day of the ERIP open window there were 300 people in line when the CAO's office opened its doors. There were 900 applicants in just the first two hours, and 1,600 by the end of the day
ERIP applicants tell why they signed up and how they plan to spend their retirement:
Jose Luis Pallan, Refuse Collection Truck Operator
"I've been here since '78, and I love the union. So I'm happy to help save the younger jobs for the younger guys. You have to think about that--when you're old but you still have a life ahead of you that you like. I help out with gang prevention, so I'll do more of that. And I have a close family. I have four boys in Afghanistan. I'll spend time with my grandkids. With my 17 year old daughter. Take my '55 Monterey and my '65 Super Sport Impala out to the car shows."
Myra Vines, Sr. Clerk-Typist, Planning Department
"I think it's good for the City. I think I'm most happy that people will be able to keep their jobs, families won't be laid off, moms and dads. It will keep LA going. It's a great City. I think it will come back, and come back in the right way."
Audrey Johnson, Legal Secretary
"I'm going to spend more time with my grandbabies and the great-grands. They say grandkids are a bonus. Well great-grands are a double bonus. I'll go to their plays at school. And I'll do some traveling."
Frank Viramontes, Chief Real Estate Officer, Public Works
"I've talked my wife into retiring with me, while we're still young enough to enjoy ourselves."
Joe Greenhoward, Maintenance-Laborer, GSD
"I'm getting older, and I've done all the service I can do. It's been a good time, and I love the people. But now it's just time."
Bob Schoonover, Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic, SEIU 721 President
"On the first day of ERIP sign-ups, November 2, I was excited about the tremendous response to the program. I did not consider filling out an application then. But later that same morning my wife, who has two bad hips, fell and was not able to get up for two hours.
"I thought it only responsible of me to at least file for ERIP to cover my bases in terms of taking care of my family. It's just about having options, and this was not something I had considered previously--when members asked me if I would take ERIP and I said no.
"I want to make it crystal clear that I'm 100% committed to the members and this union and don't intend to retire. But I find I must preserve that option in case it's absolutely necessary. Filling out the application only qualifies me. It does not obligate me to leave.
"If I were to make that decision today I would stay, and it's been that way every day since I filled out the application! If it changes, I will let you know."
Read the full statement from Bob Schoonover
Update: Bob Schoonover rescinded his ERIP application on Dec. 23, 2009.
ERIP News
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 2,414 LA City workers have elected to take the ERIP, with an additional 420 retirees who retired between passage of the Better Way agreement on June 26 and the opening of the window on November 2 eligible to be grandfathered. The window closes on December 16 at 5 pm.
Members should continue to submit applicants if they want to take ERIP and are eligible. Some workers who've applied might decide not to take it, or might not be qualified. Also, City Council has reserved the right to expand the numbers of employees allowed to retire under ERIP.
Sign Up in Person: City Hall East, Room 1200, weekdays from 8am to 5 pm (except holidays)
Sign Up Online: erip.lacity.org.
If you have questions call 311 or e-mail erip@lacity.org. Or contact your Steward or Worksite Organizer, or call the SEIU Member Resource Center at (877) 721-4YOU [4968].
Useful Documents
- ERIP Informational Booklet (including ERIP forms)
- ERIP Letter of Agreement
- ERIP Ordinance
"Why I Signed Up for ERIP"
City workers were there for the final City Council vote approving ERIP on October 30, when Council members thanked them for doing their part for the City.
"City workers day in and day out give of their service, and give of their hearts and souls to the public," said Council President Eric Garcetti.
On the first day of the ERIP open window there were 300 people in line when the CAO's office opened its doors. There were 900 applicants in just the first two hours, and 1,600 by the end of the day
ERIP applicants tell why they signed up and how they plan to spend their retirement:
Jose Luis Pallan, Refuse Collection Truck Operator
"I've been here since '78, and I love the union. So I'm happy to help save the younger jobs for the younger guys. You have to think about that--when you're old but you still have a life ahead of you that you like. I help out with gang prevention, so I'll do more of that. And I have a close family. I have four boys in Afghanistan. I'll spend time with my grandkids. With my 17 year old daughter. Take my '55 Monterey and my '65 Super Sport Impala out to the car shows."Myra Vines, Sr. Clerk-Typist, Planning Department
"I think it's good for the City. I think I'm most happy that people will be able to keep their jobs, families won't be laid off, moms and dads. It will keep LA going. It's a great City. I think it will come back, and come back in the right way."Audrey Johnson, Legal Secretary
"I'm going to spend more time with my grandbabies and the great-grands. They say grandkids are a bonus. Well great-grands are a double bonus. I'll go to their plays at school. And I'll do some traveling."Frank Viramontes, Chief Real Estate Officer, Public Works
"I've talked my wife into retiring with me, while we're still young enough to enjoy ourselves."Joe Greenhoward, Maintenance-Laborer, GSD
"I'm getting older, and I've done all the service I can do. It's been a good time, and I love the people. But now it's just time."Bob Schoonover, Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic, SEIU 721 President
"On the first day of ERIP sign-ups, November 2, I was excited about the tremendous response to the program. I did not consider filling out an application then. But later that same morning my wife, who has two bad hips, fell and was not able to get up for two hours. "I thought it only responsible of me to at least file for ERIP to cover my bases in terms of taking care of my family. It's just about having options, and this was not something I had considered previously--when members asked me if I would take ERIP and I said no.
"I want to make it crystal clear that I'm 100% committed to the members and this union and don't intend to retire. But I find I must preserve that option in case it's absolutely necessary. Filling out the application only qualifies me. It does not obligate me to leave.
"If I were to make that decision today I would stay, and it's been that way every day since I filled out the application! If it changes, I will let you know."
Read the full statement from Bob Schoonover
Update: Bob Schoonover rescinded his ERIP application on Dec. 23, 2009.
In response to a similar scenario, the CAO's office had this to say:
"By default, LACERS is supposed to process the member to provide him/her with the maximum retirement allowance."
According to that, you should be on track for option 2.
--Jeff Rogers, SEIU 721 Communications
I'm 55 yrs old with 25 yrs of service and in my case there are two ways for me to qualify for the ERIP: 1) add 5 years to my age resutling in 60 age, 25 service; or 2) add 5 yrs service resulting in 55 age, 30 service. Do I have a choice or will the City make the choice for me? Based on the way the ERIP is written it is not clear and I'm concerned that the City will force me into option 1 which is less money than option 2.
Is there any clarification, in writting from the City, on this question?