Union Employees March to Ask for a New Contract

September 29, 2009

Los Angeles – More than 500 public workers have marched to ask for a new employment contract at the county’s headquarters, 36 hours prior to the expiration of contracts for 55,000 employees, authorities reported.

The Service Employees International Union Local 721 members were seen rallying outside Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration while others sat in a packed boardroom or waited along security lines. Employees who were permitted inside expressed their desire to discuss matters with the Board of Supervisors.

It was held before the expiration of contracts affecting 55,000 nurses, park workers, road crews, library workers, and social security employees, among others.

Local president Bob Schoover wanted to contrast the county’s imminent deal with Local 721 with union discussions with Los Angeles city.

After speakers laid down their different requests, Linda Dent, bargaining chair representing the local, expressed the need to preserve their health care costs at an affordable level.

This request arose from the September 22 chief county’s chief executive office report which stated that premium rates covering county workers will boost under a standard of 10.8% next year. These costs will be shouldered through salary deductions.

She also emphasized the need to have a full staff at county hospitals.

She ended her dialogue saying they are willing to cooperate to “get through these tough times together.”