It wasn’t easy, but we changed the conversation. When our LA County Children’s Social Workers went out on strike last December, no one could really predict how it would end. All of our LA County members had worked hard for nine months to win a good contract. We held rallies, mass pickets and a huge walk-out on Oct. 1.

We mobilized to make the County better. It wasn’t just about our wages and benefits. Our members also made “common good” proposals at the bargaining table and in the streets.

We proposed raising the living wage for County contract workers. We proposed strengthening a green rideshare program to encourage carpooling and public transit use. We proposed that the County support closing loopholes that allow corporations to avoid paying property taxes. We proposed that the County put child safety first by reducing social workers’ caseloads and hiring more of them.

Our members put their blood, sweat and tears into the campaign. Because of it, the County reached an agreement with most of our members. But at the end of the day, they wouldn’t move on child safety. Our Children’s Social Workers—some of whom carry caseloads of 50 or 60 children—said enough was enough.

On Dec. 5, thousands of Social Workers went on strike for child safety. As I told the LA Times, I can’t think of a more righteous reason to strike than this one. It was completely selfless. Our members stood up to protect the most vulnerable kids. Three days into the strike, thousands of members at the Dept. of Public Social Services joined the picket lines.

We shook up the County. In fact, we did a lot more than that—we made history. Our members were all over the local, national and even international press. Six days into the strike, the County asked us to come back to the table. We won our demands just two days later. The County agreed to hire 450 more social workers and dramatically lower caseloads this year.

I’m proud that our members were willing to go the distance for the children they serve.

All of our LA County members just finished voting on a very strong contract that will give them a raise for the first time in five years, more coverage for healthcare premiums, increased rideshare subsidies and improved child safety. LA County was a big win for our Local. That’s because we did the right thing and made the fight about more than just us.

I hope you keep that in mind as we get ready to negotiate new contracts in LA City and elsewhere. As public sector workers, we aren’t separate from the people we serve. We are all parents, volunteers, neighbors, taxpayers and community leaders. We should want the best for all working people.

Sincerely,
Bob Schoonover
SEIU 721 President and LA City
Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic