Articles

Stop Blaming Public Employees

The Sacramento Bee prints an article for Labor Day.  In it they point out that "California public sector workers earn 8 percent less on average than their private sector counterparts. . . Even considering benefit costs, total compensation for public sector workers is lower on average than compensation in the private sector for similar skill levels" and add that "The problem (underfunding of public pensions) arose because both public and private sector employers stopped paying into the pensions during good times."  At the end they advise their readers: "On Labor Day, take some time to thank our public servants, rather than make them the misplaced targets of frustration and fear."

‘There is Power in a Union’

"When corporations show a solid front against unionization, the power structure does not criticize such monolithic behavior. But when unions demonstrate solidarity, those in the power structure see the behavior as un-American. How does that compute?"  Learn the source of this quote by reading the entire article.

EAA Announces Affiliation With the American Federation of Teachers

Your elected Board of Governors approved affiliation with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in a special “Committee of the Whole” meeting on September 2, 2010.  This meeting followed a week of focused discussions between the AFT and EAA on the terms of the affiliation.  This affiliation continues EAA’s active involvement in the labor movement as AFT is a major AFL-CIO union with over 1.5 million members.  Now that EAA has joined AFT, we have the full rights, responsibilities and protections provided by the AFL-CIO, LA County Labor Federation and Solidarity Charters.

EAA Prevails In Another LAPD Termination Case

Continuing his success with cases involving LAPD, EAA labor representative Ben Pezzillo represented George Cormany, whom many of you remember as a very active Union Steward.  His story is a reminder to you all that EAA takes its representation duties seriously and fights for your rights.   We fight with you regardless of the time frame required for resolution.

LACERS Approved into the Federal ERRP

LACERS announced on August 31, 2010 that it was accepted into the Federal Early Retiree Reinsurance Program.  This is a provision in the new health care legislation to assist anyone retiring before they are eligible for Medicare.

EAA and Other Workers in the News

City Watch thinks EAA got good deal in our MOU’s, sweatshop settlement in Los Angeles, California state employees MOU’s are approved, City of Miami unilaterally hammers their employees, and hotel workers authorize a strike in Los Angeles.

EAA Disaffiliates from IUPA and Enters Talks to Join AFT

Your Board of Governors is always looking for ways to improve your union.  With ongoing raids occurring by other unions, we need the resources of a large AFL-CIO union presence within California.  The American Federation of Teachers provides those resources.  As you know, they are a major force, not only within California, but throughout the United States.    Therefore, effective August 28th, 2010 we have formally disaffiliated from IUPA and are no longer IUPA Local 8000.  More details are in the full article.

EAA Announces 2010 Officer Elections-reposted 9-3-10

In accordance with EAA's Constitution, By-Laws, and Election Procedures, your Board of Governors is pleased to announce the 2010 Officer elections.  All EAA members in good standing are encouraged to volunteer to serve his/her fellow employees by running for the office of Governor or Unit Council.  It is your chance to be an active part of the solutions to the problems facing us all in the future.

Furloughs Suspended for EAA MOU’s 1, 19, and 20

Following through on the City's commitment to EAA in the newly ratified MOU agreements, the Mayor suspended furloughs for all employees in MOU's 1, 19, and 20.  They join the employees in MOU 21 whose furloughs were previously suspended.

EAA Joins the Jewish Labor Committee in Support of Hotel Workers

On Sunday, August 22, 2010, the Jewish Labor Committee, Western Region (JLC), held its annual awards brunch.  As usual, EAA attended as a supporter of the JLC and one of our staff members assisted in planning the event.  The JLC moved their brunch from the Hyatt Century Plaza to CBS Studio Center in support of the Unite Here hotel workers dispute with the Hyatt.