Tens of thousands of Los Angeles County workers begin 2-day strike

More than 50,000 Los Angeles county workers began a two-day strike Monday evening, closing libraries and disrupting administrative operations across the nation’s most populous county.

More than 50,000 Los Angeles county workers began a two-day strike Monday evening, closing libraries and disrupting administrative operations across the nation’s most populous county. The two-day strike was initiated in response to failed negotiations with the county for a new contract after the last one expired in March, according to Service Employees International Union Local 721 leaders. The union represents more than 55,000 workers including public health professionals, social workers, parks and recreation staff, custodians, clerical workers and more serving a county of 10 million residents. It will be the first time all of its members go on strike, the union said. “This is the workforce that got LA County through emergency after emergency: the January wildfires, public health emergencies, mental health emergencies, social service emergencies and more,” said union leader David Green in a statement. “That’s why we have had it with the labor law violations and demand respect for our workers.” The strike is set to last until 7 p.m. Wednesday. During this time, libraries, some healthcare clinics, beach bathrooms and public service counters at the Hall of Administration are expected to be closed. Some other services in the medical examiner’s office and public works department may also be affected, according to the county. The union has accused the county of 44 labor law violations during contract negotiations, including surveillance and retaliation against workers engaging in union activity and contracting out positions represented by the union.