LOS ANGELES—More than 55,000 Los Angeles County workers walked off the job Monday night in the first-ever countywide Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike, called by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 721. The two-day strike, set to last until 7 p.m. Wednesday, has disrupted public services across the region, closing libraries, delaying social services, and pausing non-emergency healthcare operations.
The strike came after months of failed negotiations between the union and county management. SEIU Local 721 leaders accuse the county of refusing to bargain in good faith while engaging in retaliatory tactics against union members. Workers are particularly outraged by the county’s practice of outsourcing union jobs to private contractors which they say “undermines job security and living wages.”
The union announced that, while steps are being taken to keep emergency health services running smoothly, LA County officials had another thing coming. “They thought we wouldn’t go on ULP Strike. THEY THOUGHT WRONG!”
On Tuesday, the union brought hundreds of workers to downtown LA for a massive rally and descended on the Hall of Administration. Buses transported strikers from worksites across the county, creating a sea of purple union shirts and picket signs. The crowd’s chants of “We are the safety net!” echoed through the streets as workers shared stories of struggling to make ends meet.
Vast network of essential workers
SEIU Local 721 represents a vast network of essential workers who have kept LA County running through multiple crises, the union said. Social workers, public health staff, park employees, custodians, and clerical workers all played crucial roles during the COVID-19 pandemic and January’s devastating wildfires. Despite these contributions, workers say the county has responded with “disrespect after disrespect” at the bargaining table.
“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 David Green, SEIU 721’s Executive Director.
“From the San Fernando Valley to the San Gabriel Valley, from the foothills to the beaches, all across LA County, we get the job done. That’s why we have had it with the labor law violations and demand respect for our workers.”
The union has filed 44 unfair labor practice charges detailing serious violations. Workers report facing retaliation for participating in union activities, including increased surveillance and disciplinary actions. The county has also restricted union organizers’ access to workplaces while simultaneously contracting out jobs that should belong to union members.
Steve Koffroth, SEIU 721 Director of Collective Bargaining and Research, said that in his time in the union, he has never seen so much disrespect for workers’ right to collectively bargain.
“Right from the beginning, our union respected the law and bargained in good faith. In contrast, the county is allegedly guilty of not one, not two, but 44 labor law violations. I have never seen anything like this in my 35-year career. It’s clear that nothing will change if we don’t demand it. LA County is flagrantly and continually breaking the law – and we are done letting them get away with it.”
The situation escalated when the county proposed 0% cost-of-living raises while supervisors approved $205 million for a downtown skyscraper. “They claim poverty when it comes to workers’ wages, but somehow find millions for luxury office space,” said one striking social worker.
SEIU’s strike represents just one front in a growing labor movement challenging LA County leadership. Last week, unions representing sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and lifeguards held their own press conference criticizing the Board of Supervisors. The unions released a documentary highlighting their heroic efforts during January’s wildfires, contrasting their sacrifices with the county’s refusal to grant raises.
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1014 union president Dave Gillotte summed up the frustration: “They’re a little bit bewildered seeing press conferences from the county saying what an amazing job you’ve done,” he said. “That doesn’t reconcile with my members.”
L.A. County CEO Fesia Davenport cited wildfire costs and a massive sex abuse settlement as reasons for budget constraints. But workers point to the more than $6.2 billion in county contracts going to private firms—many paying poverty wages—as evidence of misplaced priorities.
With the strike scheduled to end Wednesday evening, all eyes are on county leaders to respond. Union officials warn that if their demands aren’t met, workers may escalate to longer and stronger job actions.
For now, LA County residents are getting a stark reminder of how much they depend on the very workers now forced to strike for fair treatment. The strike serves as a powerful testament to the value of public sector workers—and the high cost of ignoring their legitimate demands.
We hope you appreciated this article. At People’s World, we believe news and information should be free and accessible to all, but we need your help. Our journalism is free of corporate influence and paywalls because we are totally reader-supported. Only you, our readers and supporters, make this possible. If you enjoy reading People’s World and the stories we bring you, please support our work by donating or becoming a monthly sustainer today. Thank you!
CONTRIBUTOR
MOST POPULAR TODAY
As Republicans ram through Trump’s Medicaid cuts, critics predict: ‘People will die’
Trump lawyers tell Supreme Court that Constitution doesn’t apply to the president
Appeals Court gives Trump green light to trash federal workers’ union contracts
Israel further strangles Palestine by replacing its workers with imported labor
