Unions Claim Concessions Would Bring More Savings To LA Than Layoffs

Contra Costa Times:  The City of LA moved toward its first round of layoffs yesterday and union workers are none too happy.  The first wave will see around 246 cuts of the total 761 planned.  Libraries, animal services and child care services at the city’s parks will be most affected.  The layoffs are expected to save $13 million.

Union leaders, however, say more money could be saved without the layoffs.  It previously cut a deal with Los Angeles leaders to defer raises across the board in lieu of layoffs, a move that the unions claim would be more cost effective and ultimately save tens of millions.  Since the city council opted for layoffs, though, LA will owe its workers deferred raises to the tune of $54 million.  I’m not a math expert, but if union leaders are right, I’d have taken the pay freeze over the layoffs if I were on the council.