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Setting the Record StraightIgnore the False Rumors
We were forced into taking action because of the inaction and delay on the part of the City to implement the agreement you, our members, previously ratified on July 22. Had the City and Mayor Villaraigosa done the right thing, savings would have been realized and we would not, once again, be defending the key services we provide or fighting for our jobs. What we heard from you at the start of this process was that two or three furlough days per month was not acceptable nor were layoffs of our less tenured members. So we moved forward from that position. This second agreement does in fact cause our pay to be negatively impacted. However, 59 hours of lost pay through the end of the fiscal year is a far cry from the 208 hours that furlough days would take. The Coalition of L.A. City Unions' bargaining teams are meeting to work on implementing the agreement in a way that has the least impact on our ability to take care of our families, while holding fast to what you have said—no furloughs or layoffs. Over two years ago, the then-CAO shared the projected financial deficit of the City. The Coalition tried to engage the City in a process that would have addressed this long-term problem. It wasn’t until the bottom fell out that any serious conversations began, and right from the beginning the only solution put forward by the City was slash and burn—furloughs and layoffs. Not only were we fighting that battle, but also, shamefully, we have continued to be undermined by non-members of the Coalition; this a complete departure from union solidarity. Standing on the sidelines throwing rocks is like the management practice of pitting employees one against the other. It’s in all of our best interests to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. In a very short time, you will receive all the details and have an opportunity to make an informed, calculated decision about this agreement. Until then, I again ask that you reserve judgment until you have the full and correct information. Yours in Solidarity, |
Since
the unprecedented unanimous City Council vote last Friday, Sept.
18, to approve a second tentative agreement with us as part of
the Coalition for L.A. City Unions, there has been a whirlwind
of misinformation and downright false information coming from
any number or sources inside and outside of the City. I ask that
you reserve judgment until you have the full and correct
information about all aspects of the agreement—which you
will receive in the next few days.