Thousands of Los Angeles City Employees Strike for Higher Wages and Fair Labor Practices
Thousands of city employees in Los Angeles, including sanitation workers, lifeguards, and traffic officers, went on strike for 24 hours on August 9th, demanding higher wages and alleging unfair labor practices. Picket lines were set up early in the morning at various locations, including Los Angeles International Airport, and a large rally was held later at City Hall. The strike involved more than 11,000 workers from various departments, such as mechanics, engineers, and airport custodians, represented by SEIU Local 721.
The union authorized the one-day walkout due to a lack of good faith bargaining from the city and alleged labor practices that limited employee and union rights. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated that the city had been negotiating in good faith with SEIU 721 since January and emphasized the importance of fair contracts for city workers.
One of the main issues raised by the striking employees is the inadequate wages that prevent them from affording to live near their jobs, resulting in long commutes. Marce Dethouars, a sanitation worker, explained that many city employees cannot afford to live in Los Angeles itself and have to reside in areas far from their workplace, often commuting up to 100 miles (160 kilometers). Destiny Webb, a college student managing a city pool, expressed the need for a 40% to 50% raise and better resources at understaffed LA facilities. She highlighted the financial challenges faced by many workers, especially students, whose pay fails to meet the rising costs of living.
This strike marks the latest labor unrest in Los Angeles, following the ongoing strike of Hollywood writers since May and subsequent participation from actors. In addition, Los Angeles hotel workers have staged staggered walkouts throughout the summer, while school staff and port workers have also faced contract disputes. The strike did lead to some service disruptions, including parking enforcement and traffic operations. Trash collection was delayed by one day citywide, and some city swimming pools were closed.
Los Angeles International Airport advised travelers to allocate extra time for their journeys during the strike, although major disruptions were not reported. The union estimated that around 300 lifeguards working at various city pools participated in the strike, impacting the operation of some pools. Meanwhile, the Port of Los Angeles stated that while some Harbor Department employees were participating in the job action, the port terminals remained open and operational.
SEIU Local 721 Chief of Staff Gilda Valdez explained that the strike’s primary message was for the city to return to the bargaining table and address the issues outlined by the union. The city had previously promised negotiations on specific proposals following the approval of a one-year agreement between the union and the city in November 2022. However, according to Valdez, the city reneged on this commitment, providing only minor agreements that were unsatisfactory to the union. The SEIU has filed an unfair labor practice claim over this matter, along with previous claims related to different issues.
The union plans to resume negotiations with the city during the week of August 14th. The strike demonstrates the workers’ determination to achieve fair treatment and the acknowledgment of their invaluable contribution to the city’s services and local economy.
In Northern California, two unions representing nearly 4,500 San Jose city employees recently authorized a three-day strike for the following week, indicating that the wave of labor unrest is not confined to Los Angeles. As workers across various sectors demand better working conditions and wages, their voices highlight the growing concerns about economic disparities and the need for more equitable labor practices.
