In response to a proposal by Antonio Villaraigosa to lay off several thousand city workers, members of the Coalition of LA City Unions planned a protest for Thursday night. The protest targeted Villaraigosa specifically, who hosted a pre-Oscar bash at his home. Union members said they were going to host their own 'mock red-carpet' protest outside the event. The mayor is hosting the party in honor of the city's entertainment industry, what he calls 'the lifeblood of the city.' City employees disagree, saying it is their efforts which keeps LA at the center of entertainment. City workers are likely to lose over 6,000 members this year. 2,400 will be retiring as part of an early retirement incentive program begun last year. Another 4,000 will likely be laid off as per Villaraigosa's proposal. Although they are not set in stone yet, all 4,000 cuts have already been approved by the city.
See "Union workers plan protest at Villaraigosa's pre-Oscars bash", Phil Willon, Los Angeles Times, March 4, 2010