Local News in Brief : Crossing Guard Pact Ends

After contracting crossing-guard services out to a private firm in 1985, the Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday approved putting 500 part-time guards back on the city payroll at an increased cost of $2.1 million.

The council voted 10 to 2 to hammer out a final agreement with Teamsters Local 911 and the crossing guards, who currently earn $6.01 an hour. Many of the guards were unhappy working for All City Management, complaining that they did not receive the same pay raises, fringe benefits and job security they enjoyed as city workers.

But the action was not recommended by the city’s chief administrative officer and Department of Transportation.

“Here we go again throwing away the taxpayers’ money,” said Councilman Nate Holden, who along with Councilman Zev Yaroslavsky voted against the proposal. “I can tell you that the $2.1 million is not going to buy us any more safety, any more security, any more protection. It’s going to cost much, much more in the future. This is just the beginning.”