LA City Supervising Engineers Look Ahead to Bargaining with SEIU 721

As 22,000 LA City employees vote on an agreement to avert layoffs and furloughs, 500 others who recently voted to join SEIU took their first steps as new SEIU 721 members. July 13, 2009–A group of more than 30 LA City supervising engineers — who recently voted to join SEIU 721 — are formally beginning the process of creating their union with SEIU 721.

At a July 11 meeting, SEIU 721 steward and bargaining team member Art Sweatman, an LA City tree surgeon, welcomed LA City supervising engineers by telling a story about how, years ago in bargaining, he vocally opposed a tentative contract agreement, and SEIU actually set up worksite meetings where he was able to present his dissenting view to coworkers. Ultimately, members voted for the agreement.

“That’s one of 80,000 stories in SEIU 721,” Sweatman told the group. “Hopefully you’ll all be able to add your own soon.”

Senior Civil Engineer Stuart Fricke of the Harbor Department noted that SEIU leaders emphasized maintaining transparency and working together with the City during this difficult time. The transition from EAA to SEIU won’t be completed until the Employee Relations Board certifies the results of the election.

Those in attendance circulated and signed membership cards and formed group discussions about long-term bargaining goals as well as nomination and election procedures for bargaining teams. For more information, go to UnitedforLA.org.

“We’re going to be ready to hit the ground running.” –Stuart Fricke Senior Civil Engineer Harbor Department, MOU 17

“This meeting was a positive start for the nearly 500 LA City employees in MOU 17.” –Art Sweatman LA City Tree Surgeon SEIU 721 Steward