Members of AFSCME Local 3090, AFSCME Local 2626, and SEIU 721 rallied at the Central Library on Wednesday to draw attention to low wages, short staffing, and safety concerns.

With contract negotiations in full swing, the Coalition of LA City Unions has put the City on notice that they will not accept less than what they deserve. “We have been providing invaluable services to the City of Los Angeles ever since the pandemic hit, and of course before it, but since the pandemic we have been asked to sacrifice,” said AFSCME Local 2626 President Lisa Palombi. “Sacrifice our health, sacrifice our raises, sacrifice our safety, sacrifice our life-work balance, and we’re done sacrificing. It’s time for them to pay up!”

Since August, the LA City bargaining teams have been meeting with City officials to negotiate a strong, new contract with the largest wage increases in LA City history. We know the City can do it, having provided public safety unions with substantial raises. “We deserve a sustainable livable wage; one that allows us to pay our rent, mortgage, utilities, food on our tables, and not to have to choose what gets paid and what doesn’t,” said Larry Gates, president of AFSCME Local 3090.

The Coalition of LA City Unions has been holding rallies at worksites around the City of Los Angeles. Hundreds of members have shown up to stand in solidarity with their union because it’s going to take all of our members holding City management’s feet to the fire to make our demands a reality. There are more opportunities to stand in solidarity, including two more rallies happening on November 30 and a rally happening on December 6.