Thousands of LA County Workers Launch Massive 2-Day Strike/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ More than 50,000 Los Angeles County workers began a two-day strike Monday over stalled contract negotiations. The walkout has closed libraries, disrupted healthcare clinics, and slowed administrative services across the nation’s largest county. Union leaders say the strike is historic, citing labor violations and demanding fair treatment.
Los Angeles County Strike: Key Facts and Updates: Quick Looks
- Over 50,000 workers involved across multiple sectors.
- Libraries, healthcare clinics, and public service counters closed.
- Union cites 44 alleged labor law violations during talks.
- County cites $4 billion in legal settlements and wildfire costs.
- Strike planned to last until 7 p.m. Wednesday.
- Mayor Bass proposes 1,600 layoffs amid city budget deficit.
Thousands of LA County Workers Launch Massive 2-Day Strike
Deep Look
Los Angeles County Workers Launch Historic Two-Day Strike
LOS ANGELES — More than 50,000 Los Angeles County workers walked off the job Monday evening, beginning a two-day strike that has shuttered libraries, impacted healthcare clinics, and disrupted government services across America’s most populous county.
The strike, called by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721, was triggered by a breakdown in contract negotiations after the previous agreement expired in March. Union leaders said it marks the first time all of their members — spanning public health, social work, parks, custodial, and administrative roles — have gone on strike together.
“This workforce carried LA County through emergency after emergency — from wildfires to pandemics,” said SEIU 721 President David Green. “We’re done tolerating labor violations. We demand respect.”
Closures and Disruptions Across LA County
The strike is set to continue until 7 p.m. Wednesday, causing temporary closures of county libraries, healthcare clinics, beach bathrooms, and service counters at the Hall of Administration. Other departments, including public works and the medical examiner’s office, are also experiencing staffing disruptions.
Union officials accuse the county of committing 44 labor law violations, including illegal surveillance, retaliation against union members, and outsourcing union-represented jobs.
Financial Strain and Budget Challenges
The county says it faces extreme financial pressures, citing:
- A tentative $4 billion settlement over childhood sexual assault claims.
- A projected $2 billion impact from the devastating LA wildfires in January.
- A looming loss of hundreds of millions in federal funding.
“We don’t want to negotiate ourselves into a structural deficit that could trigger layoffs and service cuts,” said Elizabeth Marcellino, spokesperson for the county’s Chief Executive Office.
Citywide Financial Woes Mirror County Struggles
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass recently unveiled a proposed budget with 1,600 layoffs to address a nearly $1 billion city deficit, highlighting broader fiscal challenges facing the region.
Workers Say the Fight Is About Fairness
On Monday, more than 150 striking workers picketed outside the Los Angeles General Medical Center. Many carried signs reading, “We are the safety net!”
Veteran hospital worker Lillian Cabral, a bargaining committee member, called the strike a “historic moment.” Having worked at the hospital since 1978, Cabral said she’s frustrated with the prolonged negotiations.
“This process has been filled with long delays and little good-faith movement,” she said. “It’s unfair to us, unfair to our patients, and unfair to our entire community.”
The union says they are determined to continue the fight until real progress is made toward a fair contract that reflects the essential services workers provide to the county’s 10 million residents.
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