Crippling public services while demanding more taxpayer money, tens of thousands of Los Angeles County workers have abandoned their posts in a massive union strike.
This never-before-seen walkout has shuttered libraries, clinics, and administrative offices across America’s most liberal county.
The strike happens at a time when officials are warning of a multi-billion-dollar budget crisis that could lead to widespread layoffs.
The two-day strike marks the first time all members of Service Employees International Union Local 721, representing 55,000 government workers, have walked off the job simultaneously.
Essential county services like hospitals remain open, but libraries, healthcare clinics, beach bathrooms, and public service counters are experiencing significant disruptions.
Union representatives claim the county has committed 44 labor violations including surveillance and retaliation against union activities.
Their contract expired in March, but negotiations have stalled due to the county’s severe financial constraints.
Los Angeles County officials point to legitimate budget concerns, including a massive $4 billion settlement for childhood sexual assault claims and approximately $2 billion in damages from January wildfires.
The county insists it must balance fair compensation with maintaining services and preventing layoffs amid these financial challenges.
“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,” stated union leader David Green.
The financial crisis extends beyond the county. The city of Los Angeles itself faces a staggering $1 billion deficit, with officials proposing approximately 1,600 layoffs to address the shortfall.
Critics argue this demonstrates the unsustainable spending practices of progressive leadership in California’s largest metropolitan area.
More than 150 county workers formed picket lines outside Los Angeles General Medical Center, where long-time hospital worker Lillian Cabral expressed frustration over the failed negotiations.
Meanwhile, county representatives maintain they must exercise fiscal responsibility.
“We do not want to negotiate ourselves into a structural deficit, which could lead to layoffs and service reductions,” said spokesperson Elizabeth Marcellino.
The strike highlights the growing tension between government union demands and fiscal reality in deep-blue Los Angeles.
While union leaders push for increased compensation, taxpayers ultimately bear the burden of generous government worker contracts.
The county must now decide whether to give in to union pressure or stand firm to protect taxpayers from further financial strain.
The crisis occurs amid California’s ongoing exodus of businesses and residents, who are seeking relief from high taxes and failing services.
