We have been advised by a City Administrative Office representative that Mayor Villaraigosa will conduct a news conference today a noon where he will speak about his new proposed budget and cost cutting initiatives contained therein.

We were advised that the Mayor will announce that he intends to cut 700 positions from the City's total staff and to unilaterally implement short term layoffs. The CAO's rep told us that there were no further details available because they are just now trying to work out the plan to implement the Mayor's proposal.

We are working with EAA's counsel on a strategy and action plan to address these issues in the event they are approved by the Council. EAA Executive Director Bob Aquino informed the CAO's representative that there is no re-opener in any of the EAA MOU's and we will not waive any of our represented employee's rights established by the City's Employee Relations Ordinance, Civil Service/Admin Code, or MOU's. Further, Aquino informed the CAO rep that EAA would expend necessary resources to protect EAA represented city employee's rights.

Please check this website frequently for updates regarding these important issues.