Approximately 50,000 Los Angeles County employees stage strikes, demanding increased wages.
Strike Action by 55,000 LA County Workers: A Deep Dive
The vibrant streets of LA were buzzing with energy again on Tuesday, as more than 55,000 county employees took a stand, demanding better pay and benefits after failed contract negotiations. This two-day walkout caused disruptions and closures at various libraries, healthcare clinics, and administrative offices countywide, affecting a massive population of over 10 million residents.
The Service Employees International Union Local 721 (SEIU) represents a diverse workforce, including public health professionals, social workers, parks and recreation staff, custodians, clerical workers, and many others. It's the first time in the union's history that all its members have walked off the job in unison.
Protesters clad in purple marched through downtown LA streets, their signs bearing the powerful message, "We are the safety net!" Over 1,000 workers gathered for the rally, fighting for their rights and the higher wages they deserve.
The work stoppage led to staff shortages, causing inconveniences for the public. Lines were prolonged at the Department of Public Social Services, and certain services like case updates and other issues usually handled by social workers on strike couldn't be attended to.
A frustrated single father, Michael Euring, presented a heart-wrenching situation. With a 7-month-old son and no assistance from his absentee ex-partner, he needed immediate access to his public benefits to feed his child. However, the strike made it impossible for him to obtain his EBT card and other essential documents.
Staff members like Lauren Punch, a supervising clerk at the office, joined the walkout to demand a salary increase and fewer people to supervise. She pointed out that the situation was entirely preventable and expressed regret for the impact on the community they serve.
The labor action will continue until Wednesday evening, and during this period, the public may experience closures or delays at libraries, some healthcare clinics, beach bathrooms, and public service counters at the Hall of Administration. However, hospitals, most county offices, and services in the medical examiner's office and public works department will remain operational.
SEIU Local 721 has accused the county of 44 labor law violations during contract negotiations, including surveillance and retaliation against union members engaging in union activities, as well as contracting out work that should have been performed by union members.
The county claims it's facing unprecedented financial pressures, including a tentative $4 billion settlement of thousands of childhood sexual assault claims, projected $2 billion in impacts related to the LA wildfires in January, and the potential loss of hundreds of millions in federal funding. These circumstances have made negotiating fair compensation for their workforce a difficult proposition.
In a statement, Elizabeth Marcellino, spokesperson for the county's chief executive office, expressed concern about negotiating themselves into a structural deficit, which could lead to layoffs and service reductions. However, union leader David Green contends that the workforce has been instrumental in helping LA County through multiple emergencies and deserves respect and fair wages.
A similar financial predicament confronts the city of LA, as the recently proposed budget by Mayor Karen Bass includes 1,600 layoffs of city workers amid a nearly $1 billion deficit.
The strike at Los Angeles General Medical Center involved staff from various departments, from emergency responders to custodians. Lillian Cabral, a hospital employee since 1978, termed the strike a historic moment. She's part of the bargaining committee, and her frustration stems from a lengthy process plagued by delays and a lack of progress from the county.
Sources:1. Los Angeles Times: "Los Angeles County workers begin second day of strike over contract dispute"2. NBC Los Angeles: "Tentative Agreement Reached Between LA County and SEIU 721 Ending Historic Strike"
The media has been closely following the ongoing strike by 55,000 LA County workers, highlighting the financial implications of the standoff for both the county and its residents. Meanwhile, health professionals and other essential workers, striving for higher wages, question the county's ability to prioritize finance over their well-being.
