Tags: Los Angeles County strike, SEIU Local 721, public service workers, freeway protest, contract negotiations, labor union demonstration
Massive Turnout for 48-Hour Strike
Tens of thousands of Los Angeles County workers took to the streets of downtown Los Angeles in a massive protest demanding a fair labor contract. Organized by SEIU Local 721, which represents over 55,000 workers across various county departments, the strike began Monday night and is expected to last 48 hours.
Workers from public works, mental health, social services, and other departments gathered at key intersections, including Temple Street and Figueroa Street, calling on county officials to negotiate in good faith. AIR7 footage showed a peaceful yet powerful procession of workers, joined by supporters, filling downtown streets.
Civil Disobedience Leads to Arrests
As part of the demonstration, several union members staged a sit-in, blocking the entrance to the 110 Freeway at 5th Street. In response, LAPD officers arrived on scene, handcuffing and removing the protesters one by one. The total number of arrests has not been confirmed, but the action highlighted the intensity of the workers’ demands and frustrations.
Workers Speak Out
Striking employees expressed strong emotions about the need for a new contract. “We’re not just here to make noise—we’re here because we serve the community every day,” said long-time children’s social worker Marissa Ruiz. “We do the jobs that most people don’t want to do.”
Diagnostic technician Laurie Jensen emphasized the unity of the workforce: “We’re strong together. We’re not giving up. We’re fighting for what we deserve.”
Key Issues: Pay, Staffing, and Respect
The union claims the county has failed to bargain in good faith and offered no cost-of-living increase, despite having funds for projects like a $205 million office building. Workers argue that budget limitations should not come at the expense of those on the front lines.
Nurse Kelly Zhou, protesting outside Los Angeles General Medical Center, described exhausting work conditions and understaffing. “We’re constantly working double shifts. It’s not fair,” she said. “When you work a government job, you should be able to afford basic necessities—like eggs or proper clothes for your children.”
County Cites Budget Strains
County officials point to significant financial challenges, including a $4 billion settlement related to sexual abuse claims in juvenile facilities and wildfire recovery costs nearing $2 billion. CEO Fesia Davenport emphasized the need to avoid a structural deficit while continuing to deliver essential services.
Davenport noted declining revenues due to lower property sales and rising interest rates, affecting property tax growth—the county’s main revenue source. She recently proposed a budget with 3% department cuts and over 200 job eliminations.
Widespread Service Disruptions Expected
The two-day strike is expected to affect numerous county services, including:
- Temporary closures of non-urgent health clinics
- Reduced trash collection and wildfire cleanup services
- Delays in homeless outreach and enforcement
- Limited access to animal care services (priority calls will still be addressed)
- Disruptions to library operations, with some locations potentially closing
- Delays at the Hall of Administration and regional offices, especially for the Assessor’s Office
Officials advise residents to use online resources and check updates on lacounty.gov/closures.
Hope for Resolution
Despite the disruption, both the union and the county have expressed hope that negotiations can resume and lead to a mutual agreement. However, until then, county workers say they’ll continue to stand strong, demanding respect, better pay, and improved working conditions.
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