“I just passed probation and I’m concerned about losing my job. I know what it’s like to be laid off in the private sector, and I don’t want anyone losing their job in these tough times. I’m a father, a son, and a husband. I’m an Iraq war veteran who served for four years, so I know what it is to step up and work as a team when it counts. The most important thing we can do right now is keep everybody working and keep everybody’s paycheck coming.”
–Alvaro Gutierrez, Street Services Worker I
“We as Union members still have to stand together, united as one, for our Brothers and Sisters who are facing the end of their City careers by way of layoffs. Even we as seasoned City employees are not safe, even with 15 – 20+ years seniority. We have to realize the overall picture–next year will be worse if we don’t save the money now through early retirements. Most of the concessions made in this agreement are only for the remaining of this fiscal year. In doing this we should regain some respect from the public we serve.”
–Alan Peshek, Storekeeper II
“I’m all for this agreement and it’s not because I’m retiring. It’s because it’s what’s fair. It’s for everybody, not just me or one or two other people in the City. If it weren’t for the Unions none of us would be making what we get. Tell me of a company where I can drive a truck for $28 an hour plus benefits. There ain’t none. Those employees at risk of layoff–would you be willing to help them out with their house payments?”
–Jim Irwin, Street Maintenance Truck Operator, Retired
“Next time you see someone filling a pothole or working at the park or at a library, thank them for stepping up to serve us and to protect us. Their shared sacrifice is making us stronger and safer.”
–Eric Garcetti, LA City Council President
“This is a time we can vote both our pockets and our conscience.”
–Anonymous Deputy City Attorney
I was told not to think of myself on this contract. Here the very first person up here talks about just passing probation and possibly losing his job. Where’s the sacrafice and caring for others . That comes last for this guy. And the retired guy? Give me a break. Where is his shared sacrifice. It’s in his mailbox once a month. Just say thanks and cash your check and move on. Mr. Storekeeper. Do YOU really need for the public to give us back some respect? Exactly how much is public respect going for these days? 3years no raises, 4 years. In the red this year, $400 million , $500 mil next year. $180, 000 salary for the Council. None of their aids are losing $ or jobs. Do they look for respect from the public?
I agree that the ones that are retiring should not talk about shared sacrifice.Alot of them are getting years added towards their retirement credit.That should be plenty to entice retirement.The City should not give them cash as an extra incentive and make the rest of us pay for it.They work just like we do.Are the rest of us gonna get this kind of payout when we retire?This is useless since the votes are already in but I’m just letting everyone know that we will all pay for this in years to come,with no end in sight.Everyone,enjoy your new retirement contributions.