Hawaiian Gardens council hears concerns on staffing vacancies from AFSCME representatives

During the recent Hawaiian Gardens City Council meeting held on May 14, 2025, significant discussions emerged regarding staffing challenges within the city’s public sector. The meeting featured representatives from various bargaining groups, including Louie Schmidt from the Ashland District Council, who highlighted the pressing issue of unfilled vacancies in public agencies across California.

Schmidt emphasized that many public agencies have been slow to fill positions, often citing budget constraints as a reason for delays. This has led to a concerning trend of outsourcing public sector jobs, which he argued is not a sustainable solution. He introduced a bill sponsored by AFSCME aimed at increasing transparency in how public agencies manage their vacancies. The bill seeks to address the lack of accountability and ensure that positions are filled in a timely manner.

Kevin Wen, a member of the management unit, shared his personal experience working for the city since 2018. He noted a drastic reduction in membership within the management unit, from 18 members to just 7. Wen expressed concern that the elimination of positions has placed an unsustainable workload on remaining staff, making it difficult for them to effectively manage their responsibilities.

The discussions underscored the broader implications of staffing shortages in local government, particularly how they can affect service delivery and employee morale. The council's acknowledgment of these issues suggests a commitment to addressing the challenges posed by vacancies and the need for a more robust workforce.

As the meeting concluded, the city council appeared poised to consider the recommendations from the bargaining groups, signaling a potential shift towards more proactive measures in staffing and resource management. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial for the future operational capacity of Hawaiian Gardens and its ability to serve the community effectively.