More than 50,000 Los Angeles County employees went on a two-day strike Monday evening, shutting down libraries and causing widespread disruptions in administrative operations.
According to leaders of Service Employees International Union Local 721, the two-day strike began after talks for a new contract broke down when the previous agreement expired in March.
Representing more than 55,000 workers across public health, social services, parks, custodial, and clerical roles, the union serves a county of 10 million people. Union leaders said it will be the first full-member strike in their history.
According to the county, the strike—lasting until 7 p.m. Wednesday—will close libraries, certain clinics, beach restrooms, and administrative counters, and may affect other services like public works and the medical examiner’s office.
During contract negotiations, the union accused the county of committing 44 labor law violations, including spying on workers, retaliating against union activity, and outsourcing union-covered positions.
The city of Los Angeles is grappling with similar financial troubles, as Mayor Karen Bass’s proposed budget calls for 1,600 city worker layoffs to address a nearly $1 billion deficit.
