Clarifying What We’ve Agreed On To Date

Update as of 10/2

As of today, Friday, October 2, bargaining to finalize the language and implementation of the second tentative agreement is winding down. Please know that we are working as quickly, carefully and efficiently as we can, but with so many details to consider, we can’t rush the process.

Details of the agreement will be sent out very soon followed by the ballots for you to ratify this agreement. For right now, I want to take this opportunity to clarify some matters and bring you up to date.

1. The recent review of the cost for the Early Retirement Incentive Plan (ERIP) caused the City Council and the Coalition of L.A. City Unions to modify parts of the proposal that was ratified by us and the other Coalition Unions in July. On Sept. 30, the City Council unanimously passed a slightly revised ordinance that basically spelled out the details that had not been included in the previous ordinance. This starts the 30-day posting that is required before it can become final.

2. Since the ERIP was still under-funded, it seemed reasonable to have those receiving the benefit of additional service or age credit to contribute to the cost. The 1% will result in a minimal reduction compared to the enhanced benefit that will be received. Those still working will contribute 1% instead of the .75% bringing the total contribution to 7% beginning July 1, 2011. This amount cannot be changed without going back to the bargaining table and to you.

3. The Mayor’s plan called for 208 hours of furloughs through the end of this fiscal year while the City Council and the Coalition has tentatively agreed to 59 hours. There was an early concept of involving holiday hours in this proposal, but we heard your concerns and the bargaining teams voted to leave the holiday pay intact. There are 17 pay periods remaining over which the 59 hours will be spread at approximately 3.5 hours per pay period.

4. The uniform allowance remains intact. This was a discussion item that was ultimately pulled as it did not apply across the board therefore was a disadvantage to a few.

The City does have a serious financial problem, there’s no question about that. The Coalition bargained these issues in very long and tough sessions over a period of a week. We understand the agreement is not easy for everyone to accept. But this represents a way to get the City through the end of the fiscal year, keep the ERIP, and have no layoffs. If you approve this agreement, it will be implemented immediately, thereby eliminating any need to come back to the table again.

Additionally, the Coalition will be working with the CAO to regularly review the budget and cost saving efficiencies so there will not be any surprises in the future. In this way we can address waste and revenue generating ideas that you have already put forward.

When the ballots go out, I ask you to seriously consider the agreement, your future with the City, your co-workers and then decide what is best. As always, we will be available for questions.

Thank you.

Alice Goff
President, Local 3090