Over 11,000 city workers in Los Angeles are gearing up for a one-day walkout to protest contract negotiations between union officials and city leaders. The workers plan to picket for 24 hours on Tuesday at various locations including City Hall and Los Angeles International Airport. This strike, which marks the first in over 40 years, stems from a perceived lack of good faith bargaining from the city.
The employees, represented by SEIU Local 721, which includes sanitation workers, heavy-duty mechanics, traffic officers, and engineers, voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing an Unfair Labor Practice strike if negotiations failed. The workers accuse the city of not honoring previous agreements at the bargaining table, leading them to file charges of unfair labor practices with the city of Los Angeles Employee Relations Board.
Union officials have organized a march and rally at City Hall at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, with picket lines beginning as early as 4 a.m. at various sites across the city. Despite the strike, Mayor Karen Bass assures that Los Angeles officials are committed to making progress on the contract negotiations.
The timing of this labor action coincides with ongoing strikes by Hollywood writers and actors, as well as hotel workers represented by Unite HERE Local 11. SEIU 721 officials emphasize that their fight for respect and fair contracts will continue beyond the summer.
SEIU Local 721 represents more than 95,000 public sector workers in Southern California. The union argues that the strike is significant as the city prepares for the World Cup and Olympic Games, which will bring an influx of tourists and athletes, placing additional strain on frontline services. Furthermore, the city is currently grappling with a job vacancy rate exceeding 20%.
David Green, president and executive director of SEIU 721, expects over 30 picket lines to be formed across the city. He stresses the importance of sending a message to the city that they have broken the law, and calls for the city to address the vacancies and listen to the concerns of the public. Green warns that residents may experience a lack of services on Tuesday, affecting trash collection, harbor protection, park operations, and airport security.
The union entered into a one-year agreement with the city in November 2022 under the understanding that they would resume negotiations after the winter holidays. However, the city has allegedly failed to fulfill their promise, prompting the union to file an unfair labor practice claim with the City of Los Angeles Employee Relations Board. Gilda Valdez, Chief of Staff for SEIU Local 721, expresses frustration with the city’s actions and vows not to tolerate unfair labor practices.
The last strike by Los Angeles city workers took place in November 1980.
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