Hundreds of Los Angeles County workers flooded into the Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday, calling for immediate action on a new labor contract after more than two months without an agreement.
Six union members were arrested during this pre-planned civil disobedience, as members of Service Employees International Union Local 721 voiced their frustration with the county’s slow progress in contract talks.
David Green, the Executive Director and President of SEIU 721, emphasized the urgency of the situation, reporting that Tuesday marked Day 64 of their labor without a contract.
The demonstration took place at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, where thousands of handwritten letters were presented to county officials.
The union members disrupted the Board of Supervisors meeting around 10 a.m. with chants and cheers, demanding that the supervisors tentatively agree to their proposed contract.
As tensions escalated, Los Angeles County sheriff’s personnel were called to escort the protesters out of the meeting, leading to the temporary adjournment of the session.
In the wake of the demonstration, Green expressed hopes that a resolution could be reached soon, indicating that discussions were expected to follow the board meeting.
The action on Tuesday was not isolated; from April 28-30, the union previously organized a 48-hour walkout that impacted various county services.
This walkout affected non-urgent county clinics, numerous libraries, and even some beach restrooms, demonstrating the collective strength of public works employees, social workers, and mental health professionals who are part of the union.
The union accuses the county management of negotiating in bad faith, alleging retaliation and surveillance against union members during the bargaining process.
A key point of contention remains the county’s initial proposal, which reportedly lacked a cost-of-living increase that many workers consider essential to their livelihoods.
In response, county officials have contested the union’s claims, stating that they have proposed a three-year agreement that includes a $5,000 bonus in the first year, as well as additional bonuses and cost-of-living adjustments.
The county is grappling with unprecedented fiscal challenges, including a staggering $4 billion settlement related to sexual assault claims, alongside a $2 billion financial impact from recent wildfires and potential losses of federal funding.
County CEO Fesia Davenport has recently outlined a budget proposal for the fiscal year 2025-26, which proposes cuts of 3% to various departments and the elimination of over 200 vacant positions to address these financial strains.
A statement from the county emphasized the need to balance fair compensation for workers while ensuring the continuation of essential services and avoiding layoffs during difficult financial times.
Despite the ongoing difficulties, the county asserts its commitment to constructive negotiations, aiming to reach an agreement that supports both labor and the essential services provided to the community.
With tensions running high and negotiations continuing, the future of labor relations in Los Angeles County remains uncertain as workers push for better conditions and compensation.
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