Over 50,000 Los Angeles County Workers Launch Two-Day Strike Over Contract Dispute
Public services disrupted as union members demand respect, better working conditions, and compliance with labor laws.
Watan-More than 50,000 workers in Los Angeles County began a two-day strike on Monday evening, leading to the closure of libraries and disruption of administrative operations in the most populous county in the United States.
The strike comes in response to failed negotiations over a new labor contract, after the previous agreement expired in March, according to leaders of the public service workers’ union.
The union represents over 55,000 workers, including public health professionals, social workers, parks and recreation staff, custodians, administrators, and other employees serving the county’s 10 million residents. Union officials stated this marks the first time all of its members have gone on strike.
“These are the workers who led Los Angeles County through crisis after crisis—from January wildfires to health, mental, and social emergencies,” said David Green, a union leader, in a statement. “That’s why we will no longer tolerate labor law violations, and we demand respect for our workers.”
The strike is set to end at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
During the strike, county officials expect closures of libraries, some health clinics, beach restrooms, and public service windows at the county’s main administrative building. Additional disruptions may also impact operations at the medical examiner’s office and the Department of Public Works, according to county sources.
