L.A. police union agrees to postpone raises in exchange for no layoffs

The Los Angeles police officers' union agreed to defer two salary increases to help the city ride out what leaders have called the worst economic crisis it has ever faced.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and the Los Angeles Police Protective League reached a tentative deal late Tuesday in which the city agreed to not lay off any police officers and the union in return postponed for a year two raises set for fiscal year 2021-22.

“I am pleased that we have reached a tentative deal that prevents sworn layoffs and provides the savings necessary to protect critical city services,” Garcetti said.

Los Angeles Mayor's office

Members of the police union will have to vote to approve the deal in which the city also agreed to at least $70 million in cash overtime for officers during the next three fiscal years. In exchange, sworn police officers would defer a 3% base wage increase, which was scheduled to take effect in January 2022, for 12 months and defer a 1.5% base wage increase, which was scheduled to take effect in June 2022, for six months.

The city struck similar deals with the firefighter and civilian unions in mid-January.

The agreement provides police officers certainty during uncertain times, said Craig Lally, president of the police union.

“Officers have continued to protect our residents during these very trying and dangerous times and deserve to be treated fairly and have their sacrifices recognized,” Lally said. “We believe this agreement does that and our board of directors is unanimous in recommending our members ratify it.”

Los Angeles’ city administrative officer had recommended layoffs in December to close an estimated $675 million budget deficit that would have involved cutting nearly 1,000 police officer positions, a move that would have brought the number of cops on the street to the lowest in two decades.

The agreement preserves public safety by avoiding layoffs at a time when the crime rate is rising, said Councilmember Joe Buscaino, a former police officer.

Fitch Rating changed its outlook on the city to negative in December saying the revision was prompted by the city’s “extensive budget balancing actions,” which have the potential to reduce the city’s financial resilience after the economy begins to recover.

Fitch affirmed Los Angeles’ long-term rating at AA.

Los Angeles' general obligation bonds are rated Aa2 by Moody’s, AA by S&P Global Ratings, and AA-plus by Kroll Bond Rating Agency.