Angeleno Labor Unions Join to "Fix L.A."

LA Unions Try Innovative Community Approach

BY KEVIN BROWN  |  AUGUST 20, 2014

Los Angeles labor and community organizations joined forces in an innovative program of coordinated bargaining that seeks to “Fix LA” services and economy at the same time.

The goal of the coalition is to negotiate labor issues such as wages, benefits and workplace safety along with community issues like improving public safety, increasing city efficiency and creating more affordable housing. The hand of public service workers will be strengthened with the involvement of individuals who benefit from city services the most.

The coalition is comprised of six city labor unions: 

SEIU Local 721, 

AFSCME  District Council 36, 

The LA/OC Building and Construction Trades Council, 

LIUNA Local 777, 

Operating Engineers Local 501,

and Teamsters Local 911.

They are joined by several community partners, including the Southern Christian Leadership Council (SCLC), National Action Network, Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education (SCOPE) and the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE).

The group believes that changes in the economy require that they modify the traditional approach to bargaining. This new platform allows community and labor groups to bargain and work side-by-side.

“Every decision the city makes about our city services and operations affects our lives, our neighborhoods and our families,” said the Rev. William Smart, a Fix LA clergy member with the SCLC – Southern California. “We’re excited to be a part of this historic approach to the bargaining process and to have a seat, literally at the table. Our joint demands are designed to lift up the voices and needs of all Angelenos.”

Fix LA’s campaign to address pressing community concerns officially launched in March with its groundbreaking “No Small Fees” research report. It disclosed the tens of millions of taxpayer dollars spent by the city each year on toxic “swap” deals with Wall Street banks and unnecessary banking fees.