Costa Mesa employees have asked an Orange County Superior Court judge to order the Costa Mesa City Council to do what they can’t get it to do on its own: rescind more than 200 pink slips.

In a request filed Monday for a temporary restraining order, the Costa Mesa Employees’ Association argues that the city’s outsourcing plan, which so far has included the issuing notices of possible layoffs to 200 employees, violates both state law and their contract, which runs through 2013.

“The city did not have the legal authority to take this action,” said Nick Berardino, general manager of the Orange County Employees Association, which represents the CMEA in contract issues.

City officials declined comment.

“The city attorney’s office has not seen the complaint,” said Bill Lobdell, interim communications spokesman for Costa Mesa. “Once the attorneys can review it, the city will have a response.”

— NORBERTO SANTANA JR.

Since you've made it this far,

You are obviously connected to your community and value good journalism. As an independent and local nonprofit, our news is accessible to all, regardless of what they can afford. Our newsroom centers on Orange County’s civic and cultural life, not ad-driven clickbait. Our reporters hold powerful interests accountable to protect your quality of life. But it’s not free to produce. It depends on donors like you.
Make a tax-deductible donation

About Voice of OC: Mission | Editorial Policies | Contact Us | Funding | Privacy Policy

Join the conversation: In lieu of comments, we encourage readers to engage with us across a variety of mediums. Join our Facebook discussion. Message us via our website or staff page. Send us a secure tip. Share your thoughts in a community opinion piece.