City Council Votes Unanimously for City Workers’ Better Way for LA

Just days before the new fiscal year the LA City Council voted 14-0 today to approve a landmark agreement between the City and the Coalition of LA City Unions that will avert layoffs and furloughs and prevent major service reductions. “Our goal all along was to keep people working and serving the residents of Los Angeles,” SEIU 721 President Bob Schoonover said. “This challenge to us has always been about more than our jobs and paychecks–it’s about the City we love and serve. This agreement keeps the City running, but also makes us part of the engine for economic recovery rather than part of the problem.” “We have seen the damaging effects of layoffs and furloughs in communities across the country, and we were determined to find a better way for LA,” said Cheryl Parisi, Chair of the Coalition. “This is a big city solution, a partnership agreement between workers and City officials thinking big and thinking long term for the people of Los Angeles.” “This agreement allows us to balance the budget without layoffs and furloughs that hurt workers and cut services at a moment when our families need them most,” Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said. “I think we are doing the best thing for the city because we’re still going to be able to deliver services,” said Dave Bunjac, Principal Storekeeper and President of Coalition partner LIUNA 777. “We’re not putting anybody on the unemployment lines, and we’re saving the city half a billion dollars.” See a Ratification Summary of the agreement Click here for a worksite flyer with highlights of the agreement Read the full Tentative Agreement itself EAA Supports Layoffs and Furloughs for Coalition As City Council was to take up the agreement, Bob Aquino of the Engineers and Architects Association (EAA) leveled accusations during public comments that the early retirement incentive plan (ERIP) had been negotiated without his input, despite his being in CAO negotiations throughout the process. He said EAA opposed the early retirement plan. EAA, invited to join the Coalition of LA City Unions when it began, left the Coalition immediately after negotiating its current contract with 3% raises. Now, when the Coalition has fought for an ERIP that would reduce the need for layoffs and furloughs and keep services going, Aquino has put his animosity toward the Coalition ahead of City services, City workers and the welfare of his own members. Aquino today fought to preserve layoffs and furloughs for Coalition members and to prevent his own members from participating in ERIP. “There will still be layoffs to some people,” Councilmember Bernard Parks said. “But if this conceptual agreement goes forward as it’s currently intended, then members of the Coalition would not be subject to layoffs or furloughs.” “I’ve learned that being with other Coalition unions gives us a real voice in helping solve the City’s budget problems,” said Alan Peshek, Storekeeper, present today for the Council proceedings. “Being honest and upfront with the CAO’s office, the Mayor’s office, willing to sit down and work out a real plan, we were able to work out an agreement that helps more city employees in the long run.” Coalition bargaining teams have voted Yes to recommend ratification by the members. The agreement will not be final until ratification is complete. Ballots will go out next week. Call your Worksite Organizer to set up a worksite meeting and get your questions answered, or the Member Resource Center at (877) 721-4968.