**Los Angeles City Employees Hold 24-Hour Strike Alleging Unfair Labor Practices**
Thousands of Los Angeles city employees, including sanitation workers, lifeguards, and traffic officers, walked off the job on Tuesday for a 24-hour strike, accusing the city of unfair labor practices. The strike, organized by SEIU Local 721, saw picket lines going up at various locations, including Los Angeles International Airport, with a rally planned for later in the day at City Hall.
**The Union’s Allegations**
SEIU Local 721 stated that more than 11,000 LA city workers, including airport custodians, heavy-duty mechanics, and engineers, participated in the strike. The union claims that the city has failed to bargain in good faith and has engaged in labor practices that restrict employee and union rights. In response, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated that the city has been bargaining in good faith with SEIU 721 since January and is committed to reaching fair contracts.
**Recent Strikes in Los Angeles**
The strike by Los Angeles city employees is the latest in a series of labor actions in the city. Hollywood writers have been striking since May, followed by actors last month. Hotel workers have also staged staggered walkouts throughout the summer, and earlier this year, school staff walked picket lines. Moreover, there was a contract dispute at Southern California ports.
**Impact on City Services**
While city officials assured that Los Angeles would not shut down, certain services, such as parking enforcement and some traffic operations, were expected to be affected. Trash pickup for the week would also be staggered by one day citywide. Travelers using Los Angeles International Airport were advised to allow for extra time during the strike. The strike would also potentially affect city swimming pools, with around 300 lifeguards expected to participate.
**Port of Los Angeles Operations to Continue**
Approximately 300 Port of Los Angeles employees were expected to join the strike, but the port assured that operations would continue. Port spokesperson Phillip Sanfield emphasized the port’s respect for the fair bargaining rights of its employees.
**Union’s Complaints and Next Steps**
SEIU Local 721 claims that the city reneged on its promise to negotiate over certain issues and only offered small agreements that the union considered insignificant. The union has filed an unfair labor practice claim with the City of Los Angeles Employee Relations Board. The union sees the strike as a strong message to the city to come to the table for productive negotiations. SEIU Local 721 plans to resume talks with the city the week of August 14.
*Note: In Northern California, two unions representing nearly 4,500 San Jose city employees authorized a three-day strike for the following week.*
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