The city of Los Angeles will see one of the largest labor movements in recent years, when more than 11,000 city employees will leave their jobs on Tuesday.
SEIU 721, the union representing workers from San Pedro to Griffith Observatory, is protesting “bad faith” contract talks over a number of issues, including citywide staffing shortages. Although the strike will last 24 hours, the union hopes to send a strong message to the city.
“We’re not trying to destroy or damage anything,” said Gilda Valdez, SEIU Local 721 chief of staff. “But we want to send a strong message to the city of Los Angeles. Don’t come to the table and mess with us.”
The massive strike will stop or limit a variety of public services, while some essential programs will remain intact.
suspended services
- Garbage collection: If Tuesday is your garbage collection day, it will be delayed by one day.
- CARE & CARE+ operations: There will be no homeless encampment cleanups. Service calls to remove debris or safety hazards will not be returned. For sewer-related emergencies, the city government may hire contractors to perform repairs or maintenance.
- Public pools: It may be another hot summer day, but Los Angeles residents won’t be able to cool off in city-run pools. Some municipal swimming pools may be closed.
- animal shelters– While city-run shelters will be closed to the public, some emergency services, including care for sick and injured animals, may be available on a limited basis.
limited service
- Enforcement of parking laws in the city will be delayed as traffic officers will join the strike.
- Traffic control near large and special events will be delayed, which can lead to heavy traffic near event venues.
- Service requests for traffic light and sign repairs may be delayed.
- 311 call centers remain open, but city officials warn that there may be longer wait times than usual.
Services not affected
- Emergency services by LAPD and LAFD
- Housing and homeless programs throughout the city of Los Angeles
- City-run summer camps, nurseries
- Public Libraries
- Los Angeles World Airports is also warning that LAX operations may be delayed as well. Air travelers are urged to arrive at the airport one hour prior to their arrival.
This story first appeared on Telemundo 52’s sister station, NBCLA. Click here to read this story in English.
