COUNCILMEMBER RYU STATEMENT ON DWP IBEW CONTRACT VOTE
Ryu Pushes for Greater Transparency in MOU Negotiations

Los Angeles, CA -- Today, the City Council is scheduled to vote on a plan to give employees at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) pay increases for five consecutive years. Councilmember David Ryu released the following statement:

“LADWP and its employees serve as vital assets to our City. Over the past few years, we’ve seen innovative solutions for promoting sustainable water and energy resources and greater improvements to our aging infrastructure. As a member of the City’s Personnel Committee, I am supportive of continued efforts to attract, retain, and foster greater employment opportunities in Los Angeles.

“As City leaders, we must ensure that taxpayer dollars are protected and put to their greatest use. On its face, this contract appears reasonable; however, not enough information has been provided to thoroughly scrutinize the negotiated MOUs. The approval of this plan without greater discussion, public outreach or deeper analysis undermines the public’s trust in their local government. This process has moved so quickly that the City Administrative Officer and the Chief Legislative Analyst have yet to release fiscal impact reports.

“While leaders in Washington continue to skirt transparency to pass a troubled health care bill, we in Los Angeles must lead by example and restore the public’s trust in our legislative process by demanding greater scrutiny and discussion on issues that will impact our City for years to come.”  

Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell also concurred that more time was needed.