Better Way Plan: Summary of Key Provisions
There are two agreements: a Coalition-specific agreement amending the MOUs of Coalition units and a retirement incentive program negotiated across all civilian units citywide.
Agreement on Layoffs and Furloughs
The City agrees not to move forward with a furlough plan for Coalition members over the next two years. Layoffs will not proceed except as a last resort after working with the Coalition to explore every reasonable alternative.
Deferral of Wage Adjustments
Coalition members would defer all cost of living adjustments and wage movement for two years. The contractually set adjustments will go into effect two years after originally scheduled, with the contracts extended from June 30, 2012, to June 30, 2014.
By 2014, wages will reach the levels originally set in the contract for 2012. In the meantime, the City will have saved $342 million in payroll. In exchange for extending the contract two years, workers will receive an additional 1.75% in the final year and two cash payments averaging $1,300 each.
Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP)
An ERIP will be implemented, extending incentives to those already eligible who have not retired and those within five years of retirement. The goal of the program will be to encourage 2,400 workers to retire out of City service, lowering payroll costs by nearly $200 million. Workers will increase their contribution to the pension system to cover the net cost of the ERIP.
The Coalition of LA City Unions includes nearly 22,000 workers represented by six unions: (Classifications below are only a sample of these represented)
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council 36
9,000 members in affiliated local unions. Members include librarians, recreation & parks coordinators, police service representatives (911 dispatchers), administrative assistants, Community Redevelopment Agency workers, and many others.
Los Angeles/Orange County Building & Construction
Trades Council
1,280 members in affiliated local unions. Members include communications electricians (maintain 911 and emergency response communication system), plumbers on waterways, and workers who maintain traffic lights, airport and runway lighting, public buildings, and cranes at the port.
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 501
385 members. Represent wastewater treatment operators, technicians who maintain fire and safety systems at LAX, instrument technicians at airports.
Laborers International Union (LIUNA) Local 777
1,000 members with in Coalition of L.A. City Unions; also represent 300 airport police under different MOU. Members include blue collar supervisors, head mechanics, chief security officers, custodial supervisors, automotive dispatchers.
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721
9,160 members, including affiliated associations. Represent trash truck drivers, zookeepers, jailers, vehicle mechanics (largest municipal vehicle fleet in U.S.), LAPD mechanics, park maintenance workers, custodians, security officers.
Teamsters Local 911
Represent 550 crossing guards.
Click on links for more updates.
Coalition Reaches Agreement Over Furloughs
Can 4 out of 5 Civil Service Commissioners be Wrong?
Coalition Continues to Fight Layoffs and Cuts
City Employees Step up/Speakout to Save City Services
Coalition Works to Protect Services and Avert Layoffs
L.A. City Workers Take
Initiative in Attacking Budget Problem
We are Proud to Serve LA
Jun 28, 2007 - We are the workers who keep Los Angeles running...
September 7, 2007 - Coalition Makes Impact on
Labor Day | 
