The Association of Deputy District Attorneys has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.

ADDA says the Gascón made false, anti-union statements to a member of the editorial board of the Southern California News Group. The ADDA alleges that Gascón made false claims to the SCNG that its members refused a pay increase he offered them, discouraged members from applying for promotions, and raised union dues without their consent.

“In their work against me, the union had to raise their dues twice and now a third time — they spend it on the campaign against me, on recalls, on lawsuits. But … we are seeing cracks” in the internal opposition,” Gascón said to the SCNG.

We gave tests for DA 4,” a step up for junior prosecutors. “and the union told people not to take the exam, and over 300 people took the exam. The union refused my offer to give raises to many of our attorneys,” 

ADDA president Michelle Hanisee says the union can prove that Gascón’s comments are false.

“George Gascón’s lies are designed to undermine the hard work that our union has done to stand up for and defend our members’ civil service and workplace rights,” Hanisee said in a statement. “He is also seeking to shift the blame for his failed leadership onto the line prosecutors who work in the District Attorney’s office.”

Gascón defeated incumbent D.A. Jackie Lacey in the Nov. 2020 election. Throughout his tenure, the 69-year-old has faced criticism for being too lenient. Prior to becoming the D.A. in L.A. County, he held the same position in San Francisco from 2011-2019.

Gascón will be up for re-election in November.