Coalition of LA City Unions

ERIP Window Opens to Tremendous Response

More than 1,600 people signed up the first morning

November 2, 2009

If you are interested in ERIP and haven’t signed up – get on the list now (instructions below). Slots are disappearing fast. Even if you are thinking about signing up, fill out an application. You will have a chance to change your mind if you are accepted, but you won’t have a chance if you wait until ERIP slots are full.

With 400 workers previously retired and eligible for the program, 900 online applicants in the first two hours, and more than 300 lined up at the CAO office for the 8 a.m. opening, over half of the ERIP slots may already be gone.

Thank you to those who are taking advantage of this program and ending City service a little sooner, so that others can avoid bringing layoff notices home to their families. Retirements on this scale will also ease budget pressures on all of us in the next couple difficult years.

Council Approves DWP Contract

Coalition Raises Still Set Standard

There are many rumors circling about the contract for DWP workers, which was passed by Council and will go back to workers for ratification.

The information we have shows that DWP will indeed receive raises over the next two years while other City workers – including Police – have freezes. This reflects the reality that DWP is in a different budget situation from other City funds. Their budget has remained steady while general City revenues have plummeted. In fact, this year the Department is transferring nearly $230 million to the General Fund – money that helps keep programs running and salaries paid across the City.

However, although the timing of DWP payments may not seem fair initially, keep in mind that our MOUs will still shrink the gap between Coalition units and similar classifications over the next few years.

Over the life of the contract, DWP workers will receive wage increases totaling 8% to 16% depending on the economy, with a 3.25% cash payment in lieu of this year’s COLA. In the same time period, workers in Coalition units will receive wage increases of 17.5% guaranteed and cash payments totaling 3.5%.

By the end of the contract period, Coalition units will either have taken a small step or a large step towards parity, in the most difficult budget times.

ERIP Sign-up Open Now

The ERIP window began officially Monday, November 2, at 8 a.m. It will close on December 16, at 5 p.m. or once the maximum number of participants has been reached. Remember: it’s first-come, first-served, so sign-up early.

Sign Up in Person
Weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except holidays)
City Hall East, Room 1200

Forms can be filled out in person at the CAO’s office, online, by email to erip@lacity.org, or by fax to (213) 978-7613. The City recommends online submissions for quickest results. The website erip.lacity.org will have full information available as soon as Thursday, and ERIP forms available on the site Monday at 8 a.m.

The City will handle ERIP eligibility on a first-come first-served basis. If you are interested in ERIP, or think you may be interested, follow up soon to ensure you don’t lose your chance. Once the final ERIP participants are determined, the City will determine the order in which retirees will be processed through ERIP (and thus retirement dates).

The CAO will notify LACERS members via email and bulletin of ERIP information, timeline, and any changes. Keep your eyes out for the latest.

As always, you can contact your Steward, Union Rep, or Union Office for help or with questions. Members can also call 3-1-1 for more information.

Click on links for more updates.

Questions about the Early Retirement Incentive Program

Download the Ratification Letter

Update for LACERS Members

Coalition of LA City Unions

Better Way Plan

Coalition Agreement Up for Ratification Vote

City Council Votes Unanimously

EAA Opposes Retirement Plan

Coalition Bargaining Teams Vote "Yes!"