Union workers rally along Grand Avenue for higher wages

Listen to the full audio story

Download the MP3

About 2,000 Los Angeles county union members rallied along Grand Avenue, closing down 1st through 4th streets after their labor contracts expired at midnight on Monday, September 30. Protestors chanted and held up signs, urging county officials to offer higher wages that would match the rising cost of living.

County chief executive officer William Fujioka says he's prepared to offer a 6 percent wage increase over the next three years. However, many union workers say this deal is unsatisfactory, as they could have to pay more in health premium costs than the wage increase would cover.