LA County workers gathered at SEIU 721 July 25 to hear the latest updates on contract negotiations. Much of the discussion focused on the state budget and its fiscal impact on LA County. While there are the preliminary estimates, we cannot yet determine the full impact.
See meeting photos here
Two steps forward, two steps back
Obama’s economic stimulus of $500 million for LA County and the County’s move to freeze new hires and eliminate 1800 vacant positions could mean no layoffs or disruptions to services. But the state budget approved by the Governor and Legislature, which left oil and tobacco corporations tax free, further threatens local jurisdictions. LA County stands to lose about $190 million more. Plus, Governor compounded the problem by using his veto authority to cut about half a billion dollars more in spending.
What is the county proposing?
The County proposes to freeze County contributions to our medical benefits, which means your paycheck will be impacted if premiums increase. The County also proposed a two-year contract they can break at any time by declaring a financial emergency and that would leave our contractual pay and benefits open for renegotiation.
What’s our response?
Get involved and join our bargaining teams and contract action teams in fighting to safeguard our standards, strengthen steward rights, and build a better LA by proposing ideas to make LA County more efficient, effective and green. Click here to learn more about our campaign.
Download and print a copy here, and submit your ideas to your SEIU 721 worksite organizer.