AFSCME Union Saves 1,750 LA City Jobs Amid $1 Billion Budget Crisis

AFSCME Union Plays Key Role in Preventing Layoffs in Los Angeles

In a significant win for Los Angeles city workers, members of the AFSCME union have successfully averted over 1,750 layoffs, safeguarding crucial public services in the process. This outcome highlights the tangible impact of union activism in one of the largest cities in the United States.

Earlier this year, Los Angeles faced a daunting $1 billion budget shortfall, which threatened the jobs of more than 1,750 municipal workers, including approximately 700 members of AFSCME District Council 36. The potential layoffs posed a significant risk to the public services relied upon by local residents.

Matthew Maldonado, executive director of District Council 36, emphasized the critical nature of these roles. "These positions represent critical services that our residents rely on," Maldonado stated. "To put it simply, our members are the backbone of LA City, and I am so proud of their resilience during this fiscal emergency. They saw the challenges Los Angeles faced, and once again they stepped up to ensure that Angelenos didn’t lose the essential services they depend on."

DC 36, which represents nearly 12,000 city workers, collaborated with other unions to engage in negotiations with the mayor's office. After months of dialogue, union members voted to approve a layoff avoidance agreement, marking a significant achievement.

The agreement includes innovative measures to resolve the budget issue, such as reallocating positions to different departments and collaborating with managers to explore other alternatives. Should these measures fall short, city workers may need to accept up to five unpaid holidays as a final option. The success of these efforts underscores the importance of union advocacy in protecting jobs and services.

"This is an incredible achievement for us in this moment," Maldonado remarked, reflecting the sentiment of triumph shared by union members.

AFSCME's role in this process exemplifies the strength of having a collective voice in the workplace. This influence extends beyond improving working conditions to enhancing the quality of public services provided. To learn more about the impact of unions, click here.