With contracts between LA County and its largest employee union set to expire at midnight on September 30, more than 2,000 LA County employees called on the Board of Supervisors to support an agreement that protects services in the economic downturn.

Photo: Cat Clark, a clerk at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, in a photo that ran in the Los Angeles Times

More than 55,000 LA County employees are negotiating a new contract that will protect the County's ability to serve 10 million residents in this economic crisis. SEIU 721 represents RNs, public health, park employees, social service workers, library employees and others who work directly with the public.

County employees gathered on Tuesday morning, September 29, for a march and rally at the Hall of Administration. They filled a giant puzzle box with pieces representing the crucial services that they perform, asked County Supervisors to help build a better LA County -- then sent County representatives and employees to the LA Convention Center for a final round of talks before the September 30 deadline.

"This economic crisis is an opportunity to really make our County work better for residents. It's a totally new approach, and residents will see the results," said Linda Dent, an intermediate clerk in the Treasurer-Tax Collector's office and vice president of the SEIU 721 executive board.

SEIU 721 bargaining teams' proposals represent a new approach to bargaining and aim to streamline and improve direct services to the public and reduce costs for County taxpayers:

• Better libraries through decentralized book buying to reduce costs and provide more relevant selections for local patrons
• Shorter lines at the Registrar Recorder's office for residents who are seeking a birth, death or marriage certificates;
• Safe parks by providing uniforms for employees to help deter crime and graffiti at County parks
• Safer animals and communities by giving animal control officers the right, simple equipment like boots to rescue animals in the fires and keep people safe from vicious animals
• Cost-savings by training county staff to do the work instead of spending on expensive contracts.

SEIU 721 bargaining teams hope to reach an agreement with the County by midnight Wednesday, September 30. Members will then have to vote to ratify the agreement...we'll bring you updates as they come in.