More city workers could soon lose their LA jobs.

Chief Legislative Analyst Gerry Miller is suggesting that the City of Los Angeles cut 1,000 jobs in order to help balance the budget. Those positions would be in addition to 761 job cuts already planned by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Leaders of the Coalition of LA City Unions have already been fighting against the initial plan to eliminate hundreds of positions, some of which would entail layoffs. However, if any union member is laid off, current labor contracts would require the city to provide $32.3 million worth of raises to any remaining employees next year.

The current budget plan calls for the city to lease 10 parking garages and borrow against future parking meter money. Proceeds would replenish the city's emergency reserve and allocate $53 million to the general fund.

Some City Council members are deciding not to include that money into the budget, however, as no lease agreements have been obtained as of yet. Miller says eliminating 1,000 jobs is the only way to make up for that money.

According to the Los Angeles Times, elected officials and policy advisers have discussed varying figures during the last five months when it comes to layoffs, job cuts and transfers:

• During February, Villaraigosa said up to 3,000 positions could be cut, and an early retirement program would be implemented.
• Soon after, City Council members said they wanted 4,000 positions to be eliminated "by any means necessary, including layoffs."
• During April, Villaraigosa proposed that 761 jobs be cut, many of which are already vacant.

Labels: LA jobs