AFSCME 3090

We Stand Together

• Our Work Continues

Monday, November 23

We’ve come through a tough period and there will still be some bumps in the road ahead.  We pulled together and ratified the agreement with the City and are now seeing signs that our goals can be achieved.  The number of City employees filing for the Early Retirement Incentive Program is very encouraging.  While this is only one part of the plan to address the budget, it is a vital part.  If you’re eligible for ERIP but not sure that you want to take advantage of it, sign up anyway as already some 2,700 applications have been filed.  There will still be time to rescind your application should you choose to do so at the close of the open period.  Should we reach capacity of the 2,400 slots, we intend to push to have a waiting list so everyone who wants to, can retire and help to downsize the City workforce in a humane and strategic way.

These retirees represent a significant change in the workforce, which will necessitate a change in operations.  There could be consolidation of functions within divisions or units of the various departments as well as consolidation of departments itself.  Opportunities for transfers or promotions will open up as a result, and we will be looking to you to share your knowledge and expertise on best practices in your departments.

We will be meeting with the City Controller, Wendy Greuel and other City management to discuss implementation of the agreement to ensure the City does its job and practices proper oversight on the provisions of the agreement.  It is important that we remain vigilant so that in the end, the savings that have been identified are realized.  We don’t intend to have the budget balanced solely on our backs, as some City leaders would have it.  The reduction of 3.5 hours of salary and work schedule per pay period is being done differently in various departments.  Your holiday pay should not be impacted in any way.  Should you have any concerns, please call the union office.

There is no time for resting, this is but phase one as Mayor Villaraigosa has sent a letter to City department heads in anticipation of next year’s budget.  The recommendations and instructions hold down the City workforce and appear to favor contracting out some work.  Your union, in conjunction with the other unions in the Coalition of City Unions, will continue to advocate for our members and the services we provide.

Let me conclude by again thanking all of you who have hung in there during these less than ideal times.  Together we continue to work in the best interest of all our members and to make our Local strong and forward thinking.

I wish the best to you and your family in the coming holiday season.  There is no other way that we can co forward oin thisa thime but to th ee the possible way s on thwoit the names of the rose tcan ton yl bve sachaieved thwnt he a rthe and th ekest aocmne totgether