Coalition Bargaining Teams Vote “Yes!” to Protect City Services and Co-Workers’ Jobs
June 24, 2009
LA City Workers One Step Closer to Securing a Better Way for LA
In the worst economic crisis in decades, Coalition Bargaining Teams voted unanimously Tuesday afternoon to recommend ratification by the membership of a plan to secure services, jobs, wages and contracts long enough for Los Angeles to weather the economic storm.
Just Two Votes Away
The agreement will prevent layoffs and furloughs while helping up to 2,400 workers retire with dignity and saving the City nearly half a billion dollars over two years.
Once agreed to by the full Council this week, ballots will go out to a vote of the full membership of unions in the Coalition of LA City Unions.
Highlights of the plan:
• No mandatory furloughs and no layoffs in Coalition bargaining units  for two years–time for the economy to recover.
• No wage cuts.
• Pushes raises back two years and extends contract two years to lock them in. All raises guaranteed.
• Additional money in later years to compensate for delayed raises: cash bonuses of 1.75% in 2001 and 2012 plus an extra 1.75% raise in 2013, the final year.
• Renewal of the "Mutual Commitment to LA's Future" through which the Coalition prevented layoffs and furloughs for Coalition union members.
• No other provisions of the contract change.
• The Early Retirement Incentive Plan already approved by LACERS participants—a combination of age/and or service credits seeking to retire up to 2,400 workers.
“We’re all leaders. If deferring my pay
for two years will save jobs for my
brothers and sisters, I’m all for it.”
– Tim Butcher, SEIU Heavy Duty Truck Operator,
Street Services
Additional protections and benefits:
• Coalition unions will receive proportional share of any new money to the General Fund as enhanced wages and/or benefits.
• Savings in proprietary departments and special funds will be used to contract-in services to City workers.
• Job openings in all proprietary departments will be filled first by internal City promotions.
• Savings from part-time workers will be directed to maintaining the services they provide.
• City's commitment to keep Coalition members in step with other city unions that might negotiate contracts before Coalition contracts expire.
Every inch of ground gained so far has come through member action.
While all across the United State, the state of California, and the Southern California region public workers are being forced to take furloughs and pay cuts, and residents suffer drastic service cuts, Los Angeles has the chance to lead again by embracing a solution that creates long-term fiscal stability, prioritizes direct service and invests in the future workforce.
Coalition bargaining teams voted today to recommend a yes vote to the members to ratify this agreement. Coalition bargaining units must approve it for it to take effect.
“I urge all Coalition members to vote yes because it benefits everyone. As a single mother, I cannot afford to lose $400-500 dollars a month from my paycheck. No coalition member can afford to lose that much money a month. I urge you to vote yes.”
– Yolanda Estrada, AFSCME Legal Secretary,
City Attorney’s Office
Bargaining Team members and Union Reps will set up worksite meetings over the coming weeks to help answer the many questions you will have about this proposed agreement.
Contact your Steward or Union Rep for more information or to request a meeting.
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
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