AFSCME District Council 36 stands in solidarity with SEIU Local 721 as they prepare for a potential unfair labor practice strike.

Last week, SEIU Local 721 members voted in favor of authorizing a ULP strike, with a resounding 98% voting YES. The more than 50,000 frontline, Los Angeles County workers represented by SEIU Local 721 are asking that the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors show that they care about frontline workers and bargain in good faith.

They are rightfully raising their voices to demand cost of living adjustments that will keep up with the record high inflation rates. They are also demanding that jobs not be outsourced to contractors but handled by Union workers instead. "SEIU Local 721 has our full support," says Walter Blair, Administrator of AFSCME District Council 36. "We know that deciding to take a strike vote is not one that is made lightly, so we want the thousands of County workers who are fighting for a fair contract to know that we stand is solidarity with them." SEIU Local 721 held a rally on March 31 to bring attention to the lack of support they have been receiving from the Board of Supervisors, but still haven’t been shown respect by the Board of Supervisors.

SEIU Local 721 is returning to the bargaining table today and tomorrow, and hopefully with a potential ULP strike on the horizon, County negotiators will bargain in good faith. After the upcoming contract bargaining sessions, and the Board of Supervisors budget meeting on Wednesday, May 11, the SEIU elected Bargaining Policy Committee will make an evaluation of when to go on strike.

AFSCME District Council 36 will continue to support SEIU Local 721 members throughout their contract fight.