Thousands of city workers in Los Angeles are taking part in a one-day strike to bring attention to what they describe as unfair labor practices and the city’s failure to bargain in good faith. More than 11,000 city workers for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721, started walking the picket lines early Tuesday morning. Workers include heavy-duty mechanics, engineers, gardeners, sanitation workers, custodians and many others. Workers say they are tired of vacant positions requiring workers to take on large amounts of overtime.

KTLA reports the port of Los Angeles has also been impacted by the strike, as at least four cargo ships that were scheduled to arrive on Tuesday were delayed. A port official released a statement saying “Cargo vessels scheduled for entry or departure on Tuesday are being delayed one day due to the job action. The port looks forward to the return of a full work force on Wednesday.” The SEIU workers’ contract has yet to expire, but the one-day strike was approved to show the city what could happen if a deal is not reached.

KTLA also reports that ‘Protests were taking place at locations across the city, including the Tom Bradley Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport.”
Continue reading about the one-day strike here.