Council Agrees to Help Displaced DWP Workers

Acknowledging that widespread layoffs are possible at the Department of Water and Power, the Los Angeles City Council agreed Wednesday to ensure that displaced workers are considered for other city job opportunities, as well as outside employment services.

Acting on a motion by Councilwoman Jackie Goldberg, the council instructed the personnel department to coordinate its efforts with other city departments to allow DWP employees to be considered for other positions within the city.

The council also is seeking a report on career guidance and other services that will be provided to employees who lose their jobs.

David Freeman, the DWP’s new general manager, has said as many as 2,000 workers could lose their jobs in the restructuring.

Goldberg and Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, who introduced a similar motion last week, said the workers need the city’s help in finding new jobs and possibly retraining for new careers.

Saying the DWP workers, in many cases, have devoted their lives to the city, Goldberg said, “We should do whatever we can to help them find appropriate placement.”