Over 11,000 Los Angeles city workers hit the picket lines Tuesday for a 24-hour strike.
Picketers kicked off their strike at Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport and outside L.A. City Hall on Spring Street.
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SEIU Local 721, the union that represents sanitation workers, traffic officers, and heavy-duty mechanics are protesting contract negotiations with L.A. leaders.
Dion Cornelius, a shuttle driver at LAX and a SEIU 721 executive board member, told KNX News’ Jon Baird, they are tired of the disrespect.
“They have been disrespecting us over and over again and we're tired of it and if they continue to disrespect us, we're going to shut it down,” he said.
He added that the issue is not just about money.
"What we want them to do is hire people because we’re tired of working understaffed," he said. "They’re making broken promises and we’re tired of it.”
One picketer told KNX News they want to return to the table and work out a deal with the city.
“We’re only out here to get their attention. We mean business,” he said.
A march and rally will be held around 11 a.m. outside City Hall.
Strike impacts on city services
Mayor Karen Bass said that despite the strike, “The City of Los Angeles is not going to shut down.”
She added that the following city services will be impacted due to the strike:
- Collection services will be delayed by one day
- Traffic services, including sign repair and parking enforcement
- Los Angeles Animal Services shelters will be closed to the public; however, they will be open for emergency services
- Wait times for Los Angeles 311 may be longer than normal
- CARE and CARE+ operations will be deferred to Saturday, Aug. 12
LAPD and LAFD services will not be impacted by the strike.
She added that traffic delays should be expected and that those traveling at LAX should “allow for extra time” for travel.
L.A. City Council President Paul Krekorian said on Monday, “We regret this inconvenience, but we can assure you that the city is continuing to negotiate with its unions."
He added that some of the city’s swimming pools may be closed, but that pre-schools and daycares will stay open as usual.
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