Los Angeles Department of Water and Power workers would see their pay increase at least 17% and perhaps as much as 34% over the next five years under a proposal that has drawn objections from some City Council members and union leaders. The proposed contract poses a challenge for newly elected Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who was backed by the union that represents DWP workers but ran on a platform calling for more fiscal responsibility. Some union officials argue city employees not working for the DWP feel betrayed by the DWP contract proposal.
See "DWP Board to Weigh Higher Pay for Workers", Patrick McGreevy, Los Angeles Times, August 1, 2005