Tue Apr 29 18:50:00 UTC 2025: **55,000 Los Angeles County Workers Strike Over Contract Dispute**
Los Angeles, CA – Approximately 55,000 Los Angeles County workers represented by SEIU Local 721 launched a two-day strike Monday night, impacting numerous public services. The walkout, the first of its kind involving all union members, stems from a stalled contract negotiation and what the union alleges are 44 labor law violations by the county, including retaliation and outsourcing of union jobs.
The strike, lasting until Wednesday evening, has resulted in closures of libraries and some healthcare clinics, though hospitals remain operational. Other services, such as wildfire debris cleanup and public service counters at the Hall of Administration, are also significantly affected.
The union cites an “insultingly low” pay offer from the county as a key issue. County officials, citing wildfire costs, a massive sex abuse settlement, and loss of federal grants, initially offered no raises. While they’ve since moved from a zero-raise proposal, they remain cautious about further concessions, fearing a structural deficit and potential future job cuts. This echoes concerns raised by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who recently proposed 1,650 layoffs to address the city’s budget shortfall.
County Chief Executive Fesia Davenport emphasized the importance of maintaining the county’s AAA credit rating, a contrast to the recent downgrade of the city of Los Angeles’s rating. The union, however, contends that the county’s actions constitute unfair labor practices. This strike follows similar concerns raised last week by a coalition of first responder unions who also feel their contributions haven’t been adequately recognized in contract negotiations. The situation highlights growing tensions between Los Angeles County and its workforce over compensation and working conditions.
First Piper 