County Workers’ Walkouts Start Today

Los Angeles County workers begin a series of one-day strikes today, with animal control and registrar-recorder employees walking out first.

County officials have pledged to maintain services during the rolling series of strikes, which could last through Oct. 11, by using nonstriking workers.

The Department of Animal Care and Control operates six shelters and provides around-the-clock animal control and rescue services. Its workers patrol neighborhoods, beaches and canyons for lost, injured and abandoned animals. Department officers also sell dog licenses, investigate suspected cruelty to animals and enforce state and local animal control laws.

The Department of Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk registers voters and conducts elections. It also issues marriage licenses and performs civil marriage ceremonies.

Birth, death and marriage records are kept by the department, as are fictitious business name filings.

Service Employees International Union Local 660 is seeking a 15.5% raise over three years for the 47,000 county workers it represents.

If the strike continues, workers from the departments of Public Social Services, Children and Family Services and Public Works will walk out Tuesday.

On Wednesday, sheriff’s, district attorney’s and public defender and probation workers will strike, along with assessor, treasurer-tax collector, auditor-controller and library employees.

Health care workers at various hospitals, clinics and departments are scheduled to walk out on Thursday, Friday and Oct. 10. Workers who maintain beaches are scheduled to strike Saturday.

If the rolling strikes continue, they will lead to a general strike set to begin on Oct. 11.