{"id":1730,"date":"2025-04-30T10:46:37","date_gmt":"2025-04-30T02:46:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportpro.cc\/?p=1730"},"modified":"2025-04-30T10:46:37","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T02:46:37","slug":"thousands-of-l-a-county-workers-march-in-downtown-protest-blocking-freeways-and-demanding-fair-contract","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportpro.cc\/?p=1730","title":{"rendered":"Thousands of L.A. County Workers March in Downtown Protest, Blocking Freeways and Demanding Fair Contract"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Tags: Los Angeles County strike, SEIU Local 721, public service workers, freeway protest, contract negotiations, labor union demonstration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Massive Turnout for 48-Hour Strike<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Civil Disobedience Leads to Arrests<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019 demands and frustrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Workers Speak Out<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Striking employees expressed strong emotions about the need for a new contract. \u201cWe\u2019re not just here to make noise\u2014we\u2019re here because we serve the community every day,\u201d said long-time children\u2019s social worker Marissa Ruiz. \u201cWe do the jobs that most people don\u2019t want to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diagnostic technician Laurie Jensen emphasized the unity of the workforce: \u201cWe\u2019re strong together. We\u2019re not giving up. We\u2019re fighting for what we deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Key Issues: Pay, Staffing, and Respect<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nurse Kelly Zhou, protesting outside Los Angeles General Medical Center, described exhausting work conditions and understaffing. \u201cWe\u2019re constantly working double shifts. It\u2019s not fair,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen you work a government job, you should be able to afford basic necessities\u2014like eggs or proper clothes for your children.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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County Cites Budget Strains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Davenport noted declining revenues due to lower property sales and rising interest rates, affecting property tax growth\u2014the county\u2019s main revenue source. She recently proposed a budget with 3% department cuts and over 200 job eliminations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Widespread Service Disruptions Expected<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The two-day strike is expected to affect numerous county services, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n