Since June, LA County members have been bargaining hard for a fair contract that’s good for them and the community. We hoped to finish the process during two days of intensive bargaining in late October. Unfortunately, negotiations with the County broke down.
Talks broke down because County Management said NO to lowering caseloads for social workers, which would save children’s lives. They said NO to raising the living wage, which would lift contract workers out of poverty. They said NO to RideShare, which would reduce traffic and pollution on our freeways. They said NO to making millionaires pay their fair share of taxes, which would fund parks and libraries.
And they said NO to paying us a fair wage and making modest increases in our Options plan, which would give us economic security and ensure that we have affordable healthcare for our families. Instead, what’s on the table right now amounts to a pay cut.
Since then, there have been some positive developments to report. The County has tried to portray our contract dispute as a Local 721 issue. But on November 1, 35,000 members of the Coalition of County Unions announced they are uniting with SEIU 721 members and the LA County Federation of Labor. Why? Because this is not an SEIU 721 issue. It’s a County worker issue. Like so many Americans who fear the middle class is slipping out of reach, the hike in health premiums that the County wants all of its workers to absorb would leave many of us with lower family budget levels than in 2008.
As I write this, members are turning out in record numbers to vote to escalate the campaign, up to and including a strike. The overwhelming response of 95% approval is monumental. It shows the strength, unity and determination of our LA County members. As they move toward escalated actions that will result in a fair contract, I know you’ll join me in LA County Members Vote in Record Breaking Numbers to Support an Escalated Fight Up To and Including a Strike SEIU 721 President’s Report november 2013 saying that their fight is our fight.
In Solidarity,
Bob Schoonover
SEIU 721 President and LA City
Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic