COMPTON–A coalition of labor unions representing workers in Compton, including Service Employees International Union Local 721, and the Compton firefighters, Tuesday presented a letter at council meeting accusing the city manager of acting in bad faith and refusing to consider what they say are viable alternatives that would help the city balance its budget, save jobs and city services.
According to the letter, 120 jobs and 200 positions will be cut out of the budget, and the city manager is attempting to impose an illegal 10 percent across-the-board salary cut on employees.
Union representatives say they have offered a combinations of suggestions that could help resolve the problem, including furlough days and participating it the CalPers early retirement incentive program. This, they say, could save an estimated 40 jobs.
As of a June 14 public hearing, Compton was facing a $6.5 million shortfall. The council is slated to vote on a budget Tuesday, and the labor unions will hold a rally that same day at 4 p.m. at City Hall.
