Yes, it’s Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, where, supposedly, all dreams can come true. Where Disney and Universal Studios breathe, where fantasy surpasses reality… sometimes.
When the workers who make this city work go out to demonstrate, demanding the most basic things: a fair wage and the ability to live close to their jobs.
Yesterday, fantasy didn’t surpass reality. Thousands of workers took over the city that in less than two years will host some World Cup matches and the Olympic Games in three.
Los Angeles can’t claim to be a city worthy of hosting these events when thousands of homeless people populate its streets, many more are forced to live in their cars or in areas of the Valley because they can’t afford rent due to the city’s gentrification.
L.A. council members No matter how much they boast about tenant protections, they haven’t been able to stop the construction projects that will displace thousands of residents.
That’s not all. As if that weren’t enough, County and city officials have announced massive layoffs to offset a deficit of hundreds of millions of dollars.
Of course, those who ultimately pay are the workers, the ones who keep the city running. Authorities consider them non-essential.
When some of the protesters began blocking traffic, police moved in and started making arrests.
From the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration on Temple Street to the intersection of 5th and Figueroa Streets, thousands of striking L.A. County workers marched, demanding that the county fairly negotiate a new labor contract for their members.
“The message is being sent loud and clear, but I think we still have a lot more work to do. But absolutely, people showed up and they’re showing out,” said employee Tammy Lofton.
“We’re really strong… all of us,” said Laurie Jensen, who works as a diagnostic technician. “I think it’s amazing. I’m really glad that I’m part of this, and we’re not going to give up. We’re going to keep fighting.”
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721 represents approximately 55,000 L.A. County workers. Fields range from public works to mental health to social work.
“We’re showing the county all of the sectors have come to reason to get a contract. We are hard-working people. Our jobs are service jobs, all of these jobs are service jobs, we do stuff that a lot of people don’t want to do,” said employee Marissa Ruiz. “I am a children’s social worker. I’ve been a children’s social worker for 25 years.”
Labor contracts expired weeks ago, according to the union. Their big issue is money. According to L.A. County, money is tight. There’s a $4 billion settlement involving nearly 7,000 sexual abuse claims at county-run juvenile facilities.
As far as talks are concerned, both sides are hopeful that they can come up with a deal that makes both sides happy, although the county says it does not want to run at a budget deficit.
The union said it is the first strike of its kind in the county, with the walkout expected to last 48 hours. The strike could impact a number of services, including the county’s non-urgent health clinics, public libraries, wildfire clean-up services, trash pick-up, and homeless encampment enforcement.
