More than 50,000 Los Angeles County workers take to picket lines demanding higher pay

More than 50,000 Los Angeles County workers demanding higher pay were on strike again Tuesday, and the walkout caused closures or disruptions at libraries, healthcare clinics and administrative offices across the nation’s most populous county.

The two-day strike that began Monday evening followed failed negotiations with the county for a new contract after the last one expired in March, according to the Service Employees International Union Local 721.

The union represents employees including public health professionals, social workers, parks and recreation staff, custodians, clerical workers and others serving a county of 10 million residents. It’s the first time all of its about 55,000 members are on strike, the union said.

Marchers wore purple and hoisted signs reading “We are the safety net!” More than 1,000 workers marched through downtown LA streets while pickets were planned at dozens of sites countywide, including Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and offices of the Department of Children and Family Services.