Strikes in Los Angeles

This is an interesting article about the grocery store and transit strikes, and police sick-out in L.A

All three unions are protesting proposals that would require them to shoulder higher health-insurance costs, an issue that has been percolating nationwide for more than a decade. In California, the sluggish economy and yawning budget deficit have brought the issue to a head this year, particularly for the sheriff's deputies and the MTA's mechanics, who are in the midst of contract negotiations.

In addition, surging union membership in Los Angeles combined with several recent successful strikes here have likely helped convince union leaders that such actions have
a better chance for succeeding than they did in the past, experts say.