The picket lines in Los Angeles are about to extend. City workers are going to strike for 24 hours on Tuesday.
SEIU Local 721, the union representing city workers including traffic officers, heavy-duty mechanics, and sanitation workers are protesting stagnating contract negotiations with L.A. leaders.
"Despite repeated attempts by city workers to engage management in a fair bargaining process, the city has flat-out refused to honor previous agreements at the bargaining table, prompting workers to file charges alleging unfair labor practices with the city of Los Angeles Employee Relations Board," the union said in a statement.
Protests are set to take place outside City Hall and Los Angeles International Airport.
If a walkout occurs, it may affect certain city services such as trash collection and the presence of traffic officers on the streets.
Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement on Aug. 5, "City workers are vital to the function of services for millions of Angelenos every day and to our local economy. They deserve fair contracts and we have been bargaining in good faith with SEIU 721 since January. The City will always be available to make progress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."
City Councilwoman Traci Park told KNX News’ Jon Baird she remains hopeful that both sides can resolve the issues “very quickly.”
“I hope that the parties on both sides come back to the table in good faith. I believe there is a lot of willingness on the city side to get a deal done,” she said.
She added that council and city leadership are “are going to have to decide where our priorities are,” including making investments in city workers.
In May, the union voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike for the first time in more than 40 years, according to City News Service.
City News Service contributed to this report.
This is the first big city worker strike in about 15 years, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement on Aug. 5, "City workers are vital to the function of services for millions of Angelenos every day and to our local economy. They deserve fair contracts and we have been bargaining in good faith with SEIU 721 since January. The City will always be available to make progress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."
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