Los Angeles County faces massive service disruptions as 50,000 workers walk off their jobs amid accusations of labor law violations and county claims of severe budget constraints.
At a Glance
- Over 50,000 LA County workers launched a two-day strike after contract negotiations failed, their first full labor walkout
- Service Employees International Union Local 721 accused the county of 44 labor law violations including surveillance and retaliation
- County officials cite financial challenges including a $4 billion sexual abuse settlement and January wildfire costs
- Libraries, healthcare clinics, and public service counters shut down through Wednesday evening
Historic County-Wide Strike Impacts Essential Services
In an unprecedented move, more than 50,000 Los Angeles County workers walked off their jobs Monday in the first strike involving all members of Service Employees International Union Local 721. The walkout began after contract negotiations stalled following the March expiration of the previous labor agreement. Workers including public health professionals, social workers, custodians, and clerical staff established picket lines outside county facilities while major protest rallies formed in downtown Los Angeles.
The strike has forced closures of libraries, healthcare clinics and administrative offices across America’s most populous county, leaving many residents without access to vital services.
The strike, scheduled to conclude by 7 p.m. Wednesday, represents a significant escalation in the ongoing labor dispute. County workers wearing SEIU 721 shirts carried picket signs with messages declaring “We are the Safety Net” while marching through downtown Los Angeles. Some protesters engaged in civil disobedience actions that temporarily blocked intersections, leading to brief detentions by law enforcement. The labor action has highlighted the tension between workers who maintained essential services during recent crises and county leadership facing serious financial challenges.
— Jeremy Arnold (@jdotarnold) March 15, 2024
Union Alleges Labor Law Violations as County Cites Budget Crisis
At the core of the dispute are accusations from union leadership that Los Angeles County has committed numerous violations of labor law during negotiations. SEIU Local 721 has filed formal complaints alleging 44 distinct violations, including claims that county officials conducted surveillance of union activities and retaliated against workers who participated in organizing efforts. The union maintains that county leadership has failed to bargain in good faith despite workers’ continued service through multiple crises including public health emergencies, wildfires, and social service challenges.
County officials have responded by highlighting severe financial constraints that limit their ability to meet union demands. Among the major financial pressures cited are a massive $4 billion settlement for sexual assault claims against the county, significant costs from the January wildfires, and potential losses of federal funding. The county maintains that these challenges require fiscal restraint to ensure long-term stability of public services and prevent potential layoffs of the type already being considered by the city of Los Angeles, which faces a separate $1 billion deficit.
Workers Emphasize Essential Role While County Seeks Sustainable Solution
Workers at facilities like Los Angeles General Medical Center have emphasized their critical role in maintaining what they describe as the county’s safety net. Many employees have expressed frustration over what they view as a lack of respect for their contributions during recent crises. Lillian Cabral, a longtime hospital worker, joined colleagues on the picket line to protest the stalled negotiations and what she characterizes as unfair treatment that impacts both workers and the communities they serve.
County leadership has emphasized their commitment to finding a balanced solution that provides fair compensation while maintaining fiscal responsibility. County spokesperson Elizabeth Marcellino highlighted the difficult position officials face as they work to avoid a structural deficit that could necessitate layoffs and service reductions. “We do not want to negotiate ourselves into a structural deficit – which could lead to layoffs and service reductions. We are trying to strike a balance: fair compensation for our workforce while sustaining services and avoiding layoffs in the midst of some of the worst financial challenges we have ever experienced,” Marcellino stated.
