Cleaning the floor (Photo – Sean Mulgrew)
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Nov. 18, approved a motion to develop a formal Labor Peace Agreement and Worker Retention Policy aimed at protecting janitorial and security workers at County-operated facilities.
By News Desk
The measure was introduced by Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and co-authored by Third District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath.
The policy initiative seeks to ensure stable working conditions, safeguard uninterrupted County services, and establish consistent labor standards as the County continues its use of Proposition A contracts, which allow outsourcing of certain services when more cost-effective than using County staff.
“Our janitorial and security workers are the backbone of County operations. They keep our facilities safe, clean, and functional, often working long hours under demanding conditions,” Solis said. She added that formalizing Labor Peace Agreements and Worker Retention protections “commits to labor stability, equity, and a partnership with workers that benefits both employees and the public they serve.”
Horvath underscored the essential role these workers play in maintaining accessible and safe public buildings. “Strengthening labor peace protections gives these workers the stability and respect they deserve while safeguarding the services our communities depend on,” she said. “Today’s step moves us closer to the workplace standards they have long deserved.”
Labor Peace Agreements are designed to prevent labor disputes, reduce service disruptions, and promote cooperative relationships between employers and workers. County officials note that such agreements are increasingly important as more janitorial, food, and security services are delivered through Proposition A contracting.
David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union–United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW), praised the Board’s action. He noted that contracted janitors and security officers have long faced “dangerous workloads, poverty wages, and employers who cut corners at the expense of worker safety and community well-being.” The proposal, he said, sends a clear message that “our leaders are listening.”
Under the motion, the County’s Chief Executive Officer will work with relevant departments to develop a unified Labor Peace Agreement and Worker Retention Policy for all Proposition A janitorial and security contracts at County-owned or County-managed sites. Contractors will be required to provide proof of a Labor Peace Agreement before beginning new work or renewing existing contracts.
A draft policy is expected within 90 days. It will outline enforcement mechanisms, applicability criteria, and how the new requirements will be integrated into existing procurement processes. The report will also assess fiscal and operational impacts and incorporate input from labor groups, including SEIU-USWW.
County officials say the initiative is intended to ensure uninterrupted public services while advancing fair treatment, job security, and workplace voice for janitorial and security workers—many of whom are women, immigrants, and people of color.
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