LA County Union Workers Strike Over Contract Negotiations

Contract Dispute and Strike

• 🎯 Over 55,000 LA County union workers, represented by SEIU Local 721, participated in a 48-hour strike protesting stalled contract negotiations.
• ✊ The union members walked off their jobs to demand a new and fair contract, feeling their requirements and demands have not been adequately heard.

Union's Grievances

• 💬 Union members, like social worker Tatum Grady, express that their contract is their livelihood and they are not being paid enough to live in the communities they serve.
• ⚠️ The union contends the county has not been negotiating in good faith, has spied on and retaliated against members, and has given work meant for union members to contractors.

Union's Wage Concerns

• 📈 Stephanie Regalado, part of the union's bargaining team, is concerned about the minimal movement from a 0% rate policy to a 1% increase.

County's Financial Pressures

• 💰 The county CEO stated that the county is facing unprecedented financial pressures, including billion-dollar settlement payouts and potential cuts to federal funding.
• ⚖️ The county has a general policy not to negotiate itself into a deficit.

County's Offer

• 🤝 As of Wednesday afternoon, the county offered a $5,000 signing bonus and a cost-of-living increase, which the union feels is insufficient.