22,000 L.A. workers reach deal with city on contract

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_7060933

The Associated Press
Article Launched: 10/02/2007 03:14:19 AM PDT

LOS ANGELES—Officials from about six unions representing about half of all municipal workers have reached a tentative agreement with the city on a new contract, likely averting a threatened strike.

About 22,000 workers, including trash collectors, 911 dispatchers and other employees, would be covered by the deal.

Most of the contract's details were not released. The pact would run for five years and be retroactive to July, if ratified by union members and approved by the City Council.

"This agreement is about ensuring that workers keep up with the cost of living as well as helping the city address whatever challenges lie ahead," Coalition of L.A. City Unions spokeswoman Barbara Maynard said.

"I think it's a fair deal," the city's chief administrative officer Karen Sisson said. "The city can afford this."

Unions have been negotiating with the city for months, but without the acrimony that often marked past labor talks.

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