Why LA County says it can't give raises to thousands of workers set to strike

https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/los-angeles-county-budget-deficit-workers-strike-sexual-abuse-settlement-wildfires/3688426/

“We need to be able to make sure when we write a check, you can cash it," LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said.

By Conan Nolan and Helen Jeong • Published 2 hours ago • Updated 2 hours ago

While more than 55,000 unionized workers for Los Angeles County are set to strike Monday evening, county officials said there is simply no money to meet the employees’ demands.

The members of Service Employees International Union Local 721, including public works employees, library workers and mental health professionals, were expected to walk off the job for 48 hours, starting at 7 p.m. Monday, accusing the county of failing to negotiate a new labor contract fairly.

“We faced nothing less than disrespect at the bargaining table,” a union leader said during a rally, claiming the county's proposal was a 0% increase for cost of living.

Although Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, acknowledged the financial hardships amid inflation, she said the county cannot afford cost-of-living increases to workers amid a massive budget hole.

FULL story at link above.