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Powerful IBEW Union Not Happy with Villaraigosa
The union that represents 8,700 L.A. Department of Water & Power workers is at odds with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa over the carbon surcharge drama going down between the City Council and Board of Water & Power Commission. Despite warnings, the Board approved a higher electric rate than recommended by the Council, which in turn vetoed it. That meant the needed rate increase to address bankruptcy concerns and renewable energy expansion can't happen for another three months. Brian D'Arcy, the head of the power-weidling International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, told the Villaraigosa that the Board should have supported the plan. A LADWP top official says the agency is now "significant jeopardy."
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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