DWP Layoffs

Re “It’s Up to DWP Unions,” editorial, Feb. 12: You failed to include some of the most important facts. I am an engineer at L.A. Department of Water and Power, and a member of the 1,800-member engineers union. In order to get 400 of us to leave, General Manager David Freeman has targeted 700-plus of us for layoffs. In order to get 1,200 of the 6,500 craft union members to leave, Freeman has targeted none.

Freeman offers 6,500 untargeted people a buyout package while bullying 1,800 EAA people with layoffs. The minimal buyout package offered is a fraction of the $350 million approved by the City Council and reported by you. And Freeman plans to finance that out of our own retirement fund, in effect stealing from the future retirement of the younger employees. Either way we get laid off. EAA members are the only ones to be threatened with loss of employment. EAA has no choice but to stand fast.

BRIAN GREER

Sunland