LA ON STRIKE! BUT WHAT DO THE CITY WORKERS WANT?

The bustling metropolis of Downtown Los Angeles found itself in the center of protest Tuesday, August 7, as the demand for fair labor practices and the urgency of addressing critical staffing shortages brought over 11,000 city employees, represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721, to the streets in protest to what they perceive as unjust treatment by the city administration.

The employees, including sanitation workers, heavy duty mechanics, traffic officers and engineers represented by SEIU Local 721, voted overwhelmingly in May -- with 98% approval -- to authorize an unfair labor practice strike if negotiations stalled.

The all day strike impacted a range of city services. Fired upon the city like a warning shot, of what to come, certain services continued with limited disruption, including public safety, homeless housing emergency services, summer camps, daycare centers, and libraries, others severely affected.

Notably, trash pickup services experienced a day’s delay, and some pools, parks, and animal shelters closed temporarily to the public.

Travelers using Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) were advised to allocate extra time due to potential traffic delays. The strike's ripple effect was felt throughout the city, highlighting the vital role that city workers play in the daily lives of Angelenos.

At the heart of the strike is the SEIU Local 721's call for fair labor practices and immediate action to address staffing shortages. The union alleges that the city has failed to approach the staffing crisis with the necessary urgency, leaving many essential departments severely understaffed. In particular, the sanitation department alone has over 900 open positions, and other city departments also face numerous vacancies. Job application processing is hampered by understaffing, leading to delays of up to six months for applicants, who often seek alternative employment opportunities due to the prolonged waiting period. Union members emphasize that the urgency lies not just in filling positions, but in addressing the toll on workers who are subjected to mandatory overtime, preventing them from spending time with their families.

Negotiations between the city and the SEIU Local 721 have hit a roadblock, further fueling the strike. The union had ratified a one-year agreement with the city in November 2022, with the expectation that negotiations would continue in early 2023. However, the city allegedly reneged on this commitment, leading the union to file an unfair labor practice claim.

The workers' demands encompass improved wages, benefits, and a resolution to the stafficrisis that has strained various city departments.

It's important to note that while city workers assert their rights and seek better working conditions, the city administration has a responsibility to balance these demands with the fiscal realities of taxpayers. Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the importance of protecting city finances and ensuring essential services while respecting the needs of city workers saying, “As Mayor, my job is to ensure the people of Los Angeles are served and safe, that the city finances are protected and that city workers — the backbone of our economy — are respected and treated fairly.”

It was back to work on Wednesday for the 11,000 city workers. Back to work and back to the negations drawing board for city administration Vs the union. The LA City strike is the first in 15 years and serves as a reminder of the critical role that city workers play in the functioning of a bustling urban center and the delicate balance between meeting their demands and maintaining the city's overall stability.