LACAA Vote Count Redux

On July 25th at 5:00 pm the Board of the LACAA met Downtown in the Police Administration Building to hold one final vote count on the latest proposal by the City Administrative Officer regarding furloughs, retiree health care vesting, and although not on the ballot rejecting the interference of Julie Butcher Former SEIU 721 LA/OC Cities Director, Jule Bishop, and Juliann Anderson. I was happy to attend as a neutral observer broadcasting the event live.

Many Attorney’s were put off by the tactics and misinformation spread by the two who started making wild claims in a desperate attempt at persuading their colleagues to vote in favor of major concessions.

Oscar Winslow LACAA President

In the first election on the contract givebacks the board seemed to take a position that the cuts faced by the attorneys they represent were severe, and far from the best interest of the members as a whole so the board voted against ratification to it’s members so they may vote to Reject the deal.

Although the Board fulfilled it’s duties the second time around meeting, and bargaining with the CAO, the sentiment was clear this was still a bad deal for City Attorney’s but this time no campaigning to secure a NO vote just the simple lack of endorsement was all that was needed by members of the LACAA to Reject the deal by nearly 62% of the voters.

Oscar Winslow, Howard Fuchs, Mark Lambert, Garcelle Embry, Marie McTeague, Ann Rosenthal, and Pat Hiscocks have really stepped up and fought for their members going above and beyond the call of duty and members can be certain that this fight is far from over as they continue to pressure the LACERS board over the retiree health issue.

One Board Member speaking on condition of anonymity said, ” .. the LACAA is determined to do what’s right for it’s members, the Office, and the residents of Los Angeles”

Oscar Winslow was the right man for the job at a crucial point in LA Labor History, members should be grateful to have such a strong leader to run the LACAA.

LA City Attorney’s get the 411 on Jule Bishop & Juliann Anderson

Jule Bishop and Juliann Anderson

Informed city attorneys already know that Jule Bishop and Juliann Anderson were strong supporters of essentially giving away members salary and benefits which would have pleased SEIU 721 and the City Administrative Officer to no end. “Vocal, very vocal” was how they were described but after the vote count on Monday, we had to actually run after the pair as they stormed out of the building.

When asked for comment on the results and what it would mean for members, the stone faced combative pair would only say “No Comment” that was the best we could get out of them.

Not alone in the silence, as Miguel Santana, the Office of the Mayor Antonio Villariggosa, and the Office of the CAO all refused to comment. I am certain they are saving the best comments for the EERC Meeting FRIDAY, AUGUST 5,2011 as Item #4 is:

“4. Update on MOU 29 Ratification – City Attorneys”

If they wanted an Update, they could have tuned in Live to see employees taking charge of their future and rejecting the oppressive proposal put forth by the CAO.