Budget Work Continues;
Mandatory Furloughs Still Loom

July 31, 2008

We are still working to mitigate the impact of this years’ budget. The few people whose positions were eliminated are being placed in open jobs.
Mandatory furloughs are still under discussion.

“We have to stand up against a mandatory program, because it would hurt City workers who can’t afford to go without a week of pay, and cause serious problems in areas that are understaffed or at minimum levels already. Lots of us are already working overtime to cover for positions the City can’t fill, at least if they expect basic services like flushing toilets,” said Dan Holzhauer, who works at Hyperion Treatment Plant and serves as Chief Steward with Operating Engineers Local 501. “We are committed to being part of a reasonable solution, but mandatory furloughs are just not it.”

In attempt to implement their mandatory furlough plan, the City is considering Civil Service Rule changes that would do away with seniority protections. Coalition representatives held a meet and confer with City representatives over the Civil Service proposals, and expressed vigorous opposition. We requested an opinion from the City Attorney on whether the proposed changes would violate the City Charter, which clearly calls for a system of seniority.

“Seniority protections and a strict layoff procedure are critical for all of us in public service. They are our defense against favoritism and corruption,” said Sheryl Moore, member of AFSCME 3090. “They are the reason we can stand up to make sure services are done better, rather than looking over our shoulder with each new administration.”

July Raise Hits

A 3% raise kicked in July 1, 2008. Our agreement of last year is even more important with prices rising as fast as they are.

Looking Towards Next Year

July 31, 2008

Experts anticipate that next year will be just as bad as this year. This year’s budget was balanced with the elimination of more than 700 positions. Luckily, there were enough open positions to keep city workers from hitting the streets by the hundreds. However, that may not be the case next year.

We started working on next year’s budget the moment this year’s was passed. The City’s actuaries are studying several versions of our severance proposal, and we will meet again with the City as soon as the actuarial report is finished. We continue to pursue this as the best path in the case that positions have to be eliminated again next year.

We also look forward to implementing remaining portions of our MOUs with the City. “The sooner that City officials agree to move on things like the Gain Sharing Committee, the sooner we can start implementing everyone’s ideas on saving money – and jobs – in next year’s budget,” said [SEIU bargaining team member?].

Kraus Wins Seat on Deffered Comp Board

kraus Congratulations to AFSCME Local 2626 member Richard Kraus – one of our own – on his re-election to the City of Los Angeles Deferred Compensation Board. Kraus was endorsed by the Coalition and collected 81% of the vote.