from the DataCenter's Economic Justice Program, Spring/Summer 2002

Perma-Temp Benefits Exclusion Found Illegal

In a decision that sets an important precedent for contingent worker benefits, the California Court of Appeals found that the Los Angeles Metropolitan Water District illegally excluded common law workers from participating in the California Public Employees Retirement System. The October 2001 decision is likely to have an impact on other public employee "permatemp" cases.

Now on appeal, Municipal Water District v. Cargill is being closely watched by California municipal governments. The California League of Cities has lined up 104 local governments to file "amicus" briefs in support of the Metropolitan Water District.

Advocates for perma-temps' rights are mobilizing support around the case. At the request of Center on Policy Initiatives and Center for a Changing Workforce, the DataCenter provided background research on the case and assistance in developing a strategic response. In particular, we located information to cut into the League of Cities' member support and to solicit some major California city's to file "amicus" briefs in support of the workers.

For further information or to get involved, contact Center on Policy Initiatives and Center for a Changing Workforce.