AFSCME 3090 and District Council 36 Reps Testify on Need to Maintain Staffing for Quality Services

In our ongoing effort to support maintaining quality city services, members of the Coalition of LA City Unions have been participating in the city’s budget deliberations.

Cheryl Parisi, Executive Director of AFSCME Council 36 and Chair of the Coalition, has testified on behalf of our members to fight proposed layoffs and work furloughs. She reminded the Budget and Finance Committee members that cut in service means cuts in staffing.

Since the proposed position cuts provide direct services to the city, we are urging the city to look at other options. One such option is the further civilianization of the Police Department. This would put officers on the street faster than the hiring process can and at a reduced cost for salary.

During the deliberations on the Police Department’s budget, Local 3090 President Alice Goff spoke in support of the recommendations of the civilianization report presented by the City Controller. Goff requested that there be serious consideration and instruction to proceed with further civilianizing the Police Department. “We need to develop a process for expansion of the class of PSR to retain experienced employees by creating promotional opportunities in area stations where this particular classification provides invaluable service as recognized by the study,” she told the committee.

On May 14 the Chief Legislative Analyst will present its recommendations to the Budget and Finance Committee. The proposed budget will be considered by the full City Council on May 19. We will keep you posted on any news.