L.A. averts layoffs of city workers after deal with unions

Five months ago, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass revealed that more than 1,600 city workers might have to be laid off to close a $1-billion budget shortfall.

- NOAH GOLDBERG

L.A. MAYOR Karen Bass speaks at a news conference at City Hall on Friday.

CARLIN STIEHL Los Angeles Times

On Tuesday, after months of negotiations, Bass stood at City Hall with union leaders and announced that her administration had averted every layoff.

"Some people said it couldn't be done, but I am so glad to stand here today and say that we have proved the naysayers wrong," Bass said.

The announcement came on the heels of an agreement with the Coalition of Los Angeles City Unions, which collectively represents gardeners, mechanics and clerks, who will take up to five unpaid holidays in 2026. Seventy-five workers had previously been targeted for layoffs.