Why LA County Says It Can’t Afford Raises for Thousands of Workers Set to Strike
As more than 55,000 unionized Los Angeles County employees prepare to strike Monday evening, county officials say budget constraints prevent them from meeting the union’s demands for higher pay.
The strike, organized by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721, will include public works staff, library employees, and mental health professionals. Workers plan to walk off the job for 48 hours starting at 7 p.m., accusing the county of failing to bargain in good faith for a new labor agreement.
“We were met with outright disrespect at the bargaining table,” a union representative said at a rally, criticizing the county’s offer, which they say includes no cost-of-living adjustment.
Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger acknowledged the financial strain inflation has placed on employees but said the county’s budget deficit makes raises unfeasible at this time.
In addition to covering emergency costs from the Eaton and Palisades wildfires, the county recently paid $4 billion to settle historic youth sexual abuse claims after a change in state law reopened the statute of limitations.
“Even the union understands that the $4 billion settlement has severely limited our ability to negotiate,” Barger said. “We need to ensure that any checks we issue won’t bounce.”
Echoing this, the county’s Chief Executive Office cited “unprecedented stresses” on the budget, including the potential loss of hundreds of millions in federal funding from the Trump-era policy decisions.
“Despite the grim financial outlook, the County has put forward fair and responsible counteroffers,” the statement read. “We urge the union to consider them seriously.”
The Los Angeles County Chief Executive Officer recently unveiled a proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes 3% spending cuts across several departments and the elimination of more than 200 unfilled positions.
The planned strike is expected to disrupt essential public services, including emergency medical care and fire response.
County Library officials have warned that library services may be reduced, with the potential for temporary closures at some branches.
Additionally, the two-day walkout is expected to lead to the closure of certain non-urgent county health clinics, limited access to some beach restrooms, and possible delays in services provided by the medical examiner’s office.
