Vote YES on the New Agreement

I know many of you have been frustrated by this process we’ve just been through because we’ve been here before. On July 22nd we ratified an agreement that included an Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP) as well as deferral of cost of living increases to maintain City services and avoid mandatory furloughs and layoffs. The City failed to implement the agreement. As a result the deficit increased and every day the City delayed in addressing the problem, the deficit continued to grow. 

Once again, through you speaking out and, we as part of the Coalition for L.A. City Unions negotiated with the City and reached a new agreement that would have the least impact on our members and avoid the alternative of furloughs and layoffs. Understand, the City Council had already approved 26 furlough days and 926 layoffs for Coalition members through the end of the fiscal year. The even more dire numbers we’ve posted on our site is what the CAO, on Monday, October 5th reported to the Budget and Finance Committee would happen IF the amended agreement is not ratified.

How do we know we won’t be back at this same place yet again? The City is forced to act if it is to remain solvent. 

In this new agreement we are proposing to defer some payments and take 3.5 hours per pay period without pay through the end of the fiscal year. It will increase the retirement contribution by .25 %, bringing it to 1% on July 1, 2011 and those retiring with additional service credits will also contribute a fair share of 1%. While I understand this is not easy for everyone to accept, this is the least harmful way to assist the City with cash flow, and begins to address next fiscal year’s budget by reducing the size of the payroll through ERIP. The COLA’s remain the same as in the first agreement. A “paycheck calculator” is being developed in an Excel format and will be posted on the website so you can determine the personal impact this has on you. Additionally, details about the amended ERIP and the new agreement are available on the site.

A ratification summary and ballots were delivered to the mailing house this past Friday, the 9th. The summary ands ballots should reach you by the middle of this week. Ballots are sent to voluntary members and are due back by October 22nd. Please take the time to read the material carefully. If you don’t receive yours by Friday, the 16th, call the office at 213 487-9887 ext 340 and check your status and address.

The Coalition bargaining teams have bargained with the City in good faith and are strongly recommending that you vote to approve this amended agreement. I join in asking for your support by voting YES. 

In solidarity,

Alice Goff
President, Local 3090