DWP BUMs (Business Unit Managers) are no match for Union Bull

AUGUST 5 - 11, 2005
DWP’s Frayed Deal
Shorted-out union contract poses big problem for Antonio and his powerful pal by JEFFREY ANDERSON

The Department of Water and Power’s recently exposed deal with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 18 hit a major obstacle this week when the Hahn-appointed board of commissioners, meeting for one of the last times, refused to vote on the matter.

At least one commissioner said a new board, appointed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, should review the generous five-year pact that calls for 16 percent to 30 percent salary increases for the IBEW’s 8,000 workers.

Details of the sweetheart deal, which had all the makings of an intimidating relationship between a union boss and a compliant city leadership, were first reported in the Weekly on July 28, and drew criticism from some City Council members and leaders of other city unions.

Find the rest of the story at http://www.laweekly.com/ink/05/37/news-anderson.php.