EAA Opposes Retirement Plan, Pushes toward Layoffs and Furloughs

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 immediately after negotiating its current contract with 3% raises. Now, as the Coalition has worked to convince the City Council and Mayor to support 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 to the media.”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."

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
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