I n these so called tough times for the allegedly bankrupt city, after reviewing the EAA Tentative Agreement Clearly the Mayor and CAO are reaching deep in the fear trenches because the position they are pushing is not one of strength, but rather desperation. In a move that has exposed this weakness in the retiree health care arena the weak and self serving gains exchanged by EAA to accept the deal are mind blowing. While Michael Davies did his best to characterize it the same as he did the last time he was in office, claiming yet again that,

“the City will proceed along the path to imposition of the “Last Best Final” - and we will have very little leverage to fight that off”

While Michael Davies has come back into power under a Members First Campaign, let’s look at the members who he put first this year.

EAA Union Waives Lawsuits & Grievances

Employees will be forced to drop all legal claims against the 1% ERIP, the Illegal Furloughs, Retiree Health Care Subsidy, and failure to bargain among others. This tactic clearly makes the point that getting 4% for life from employees by stealing away a vested right is a win win when they also waive their rights. Only Local 501 & the Los Angeles City Attorneys Association stand to gain by this.

EAA Members to begin Paying 4% For Life

EAA Members will be happy to have their income reduced by 4% In July to pay for retiree health care which at one point was a vested right for them. No actual language has been seen so this could be subject to increase in the future, and can not be challenged.

40 Hours of Furloughs Plus 5% Medical

In 2013 the 5% Medical Contributions will continue with no guarantees against future increases, 40 Furlough Hours or Unpaid Holidays will be imposed on the membership as well. JLMBC Committees still can impose other cost saving measures in the future taking an even bigger chunk out of members pay.

Melissa Popovich

Cost of Living increases will not save the members.

Instead of staggering the deferral rate like the fine folks at the CAO’s office enjoy EAA Members will begin paying the 4% immediately. On the winning side EAA Members will enjoy a Cost of Living adjustment of 2.5% in July 2012 then will wait till the end of 2013 to see a 1.5% increase again. Interestingly enough when the previous board was discussing a defrayal of the retiree health they did not intend to lose 4% then get two then lose nearly another 2% to get 1.5%. Have no fear Davies has proposed Bonus codes to make up the money, unfortunately he forgot that Dennis Zine the controller to be is not supportive of many of the bonus structures that exist already not to mention the limited classifications it helps is questionable. All members should benefit not a select group of supporters.

EAA members, You wanted Change You got it! Unfortunately change is all that is going to be left in your wallet after these clowns get done ruining your contract to protect their health care on the way out.

E A A UNION – CONTRACT SUMMARY AS OF APRIL 13-2012
Contract Term	24 Months BACKDATED	Ending July 2013
COLA	2.5% July 2012	1.5% July 2013
FURLOUGHS	Complete 208 Hours BEFORE June 30 2012	40 HOURS IN FISCALYEAR 2013
RETIREE HEALTH SUBSIDY	-4% DEDUCTION For LIFE	COMPLETE WAIVER OF PROTECTED VESTED RIGHT
HEALTH INSURANCE PAYMENTS	5% CONTINUES	** SUBJECT TO INCREASE