We took a big step today. City employees packed the LACERS board room this morning as the special committee on early retirement voted 2-1 to approve the plan. The plan now goes to the full LACERS board and City Council.
“We overflowed the board room and put a human face on it. This is a huge step forward. It’s not be the last step but it might be the most important.” -Tim Butcher, Heavy Duty Truck Operator
After hearing from front-line workers and experts, the LACERS committee recommended that the City and workers pay for the program over a 15-year period, as intended in the agreement passed by City Council and ratified by LACERS members. LACERS staff had recommended a much shorter 5-year payment period, which would have strained the City budget.
“We need to move forward on solutions now as a City. This is the wrong time to be digging up problems and playing politics. I hope the LACERS Board sees that and puts their responsibility to members first.” -Verdel Flores, Librarian, Mar Vista Branch
What’s Next:
• The full LACERS Board will likely vote on the agreement at their meeting next Tuesday, September 8.
• The City Council must give final approval to the agreement before the open window period can start. The plan goes is expected to go to the Council on September 15.
What you can do:
Please send a message to the LACERS board if you haven’t already and urge them to support the committee’s recommendation.