LOS ANGELES (AP) — More than 50,000 Los Angeles County workers once again demand a high pay picket line on Tuesday, and the strike could mean closures or disruptions at libraries, healthcare clinics and administrative offices across the country’s most populous county.
The two-day strike that began Monday evening followed a failed negotiation with the county after it ended in March and expired its final contract, according to Service Employing International Union Local 721.
The union represents employees working in the county of 10 million residents, including public health professionals, social workers, park and recreational staff, custodians and administrative workers. According to the union, this is the first time that all of its approximately 55,000 members have been on strike.
The marchers dressed in purple and “We’re a safety net!” crowds marched downtown LA Street, while others gathered at dozens of sites throughout the county. This included the offices of the Port Area Medical Center and the Department of Children and Family Services.
“This is the workforce that won LA County through post-emergency emergency. The wildfires of January, public health emergencies, mental health emergencies, social services emergencies, etc.” “That’s why we have it for violations of labor law and we respect workers.”
Working actions are set to last until 7pm on Wednesday. Until then, public members may experience closures and delays at libraries, several healthcare clinics, beach bathrooms and public service counters in the Hall of Fame. Medical examination room and public works department services could also be affected, according to the county. However, the hospital and most county offices will remain open.
The union accused 44 counties of violations of labor laws while negotiating the lawsuit. This accused of oversight and retaliation of workers engaged in union activities and contracting jobs that union members should be doing.
LA County says it faces “unprecedented stress” in its budget, including a $4 billion interim settlement of thousands of pediatric sexual assault claims, the $2 billion impact related to the January LA wildfire, and potential losses in federal funds of hundreds of millions of yen.
“We don’t want to negotiate ourselves with a structural deficit, which could lead to layoffs and reduced services,” spokesman Elizabeth Marcelino said in a statement from the CEO. “We’re trying to balance it out: fair compensation for the workforce while maintaining our services and avoiding layoffs amid some of the worst financial challenges we’ve ever experienced.”
The city of LA is facing similar financial challenges. Mayor Karen Bass’ recently proposed budget includes 1,600 layoffs in a nearly $1 billion deficit.
About 150 county workers won pickets outside the Los Angeles General Medical Center on Monday.
Lillian Cabral, who has worked at the hospital since 1978, said the strike was a “historic moment” involving staff from the emergency room and radiology department to custodians.
Cabral is part of the negotiation committee and said he is unhappy with the long delays and the process with little movement from the county.
“It’s very unfair to us and very unfair to our patients, our clients and our community,” Cabral said.
The strike caused short staffing that gave rise to long boundaries for the county’s Department of Public Social Services. The staff at hand said they could print some documents and processed documents but were unable to provide case updates or handle other issues that social workers who are taking part in the strike typically deal with.
Michael Eyring, 54, said he couldn’t get his emails or new public support cards. He didn’t know why the strike was happening, but he was frustrated by the disruption in the service.
“I have a seven-month old son. I’m a father,” Eyring said. “The emails you need are here. You can’t get an EBT card and have no access to the benefits of providing for your child.”
Lauren Punch was called “100% preventable” in the oversight of the office that took part in the strike. She wants to not only have fewer people to oversee, but also increase her salary.
“It’s disrespectful to the community that we were charged with caring for,” Punch said. “It’s a shame there are people here who have disabilities that we can’t fully serve.”
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