A Strike

Union Spokesman: We're not happy to cut off services for LA county residents. A strike is our only bargaining tool. It's the only pressure that we can put on management. And in fact, it puts pressure on both sides. It puts pressure on union negotiators to be realistic and to get this matter settled as rapidly as possible.

Narrator: The county's employees run a wide range of jobs from building maintenance, to typists, librarians, cashiers, and, of course, nurses. A judge's restraining order this afternoon forces 4,500 nurses to report for work tomorrow though it is clear, none are happy about it.

Nurse: Because we need our fair share. You ever been in the emergency department on a busy day? One nurse takes care of twelve patients. When the nurses don't do it, who else will do it?

Narrator: Other county employees feel that money is the principal issue. The union is asking for a 15 1/2 percent pay raise over three years. The county is offering 9 percent, a figure union members say does not reflect today's prosperity.

Union Man: Everything's booming. The economy is booming because of the tech stocks and everything, and the county claims that 15 percent would be out of the operating range and that's...

Narrator: The county's principal fear has been the disruption of critical nursing care, and that problem at least appears to have been addressed. Now, as talks continue, it's all about trying to get money for union workers where the county says there is none.

Man: Over the principal issue of money, there's just no appreciable movement.

Union Spokesman: My understanding is that's not true. There has been some movement, on money. It's a matter of whether every unit is happy with their deal.

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