In a show of unity and determination, physicians, dentists, psychiatrists, and veterinarians gathered in downtown Los Angeles for a rally on Tuesday, raising the possibility of a strike against the county. These dedicated healthcare professionals, represented by the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD), have been engaged in prolonged negotiations, spanning two years, aimed at securing a new contract for their members within various L.A. County departments, including Health Services, Mental Health, Medical Examiner, Fire, Animal Care and Control.

Despite the arduous negotiations, the two parties failed to reach an agreement before the expiration of the current contract on September 30, leaving the healthcare workers in a state of uncertainty.

The central issue at the heart of this dispute is the demand for improved healthcare benefits for the doctors, with the hope that this will alleviate the challenges of recruiting and retaining qualified healthcare professionals within the county. The rallying cry from the UAPD to the Board of Supervisors is for a better healthcare package, one that could ultimately stem the loss of vital healthcare positions and encourage professionals to establish roots in Los Angeles County.

UAPD President Dr. Stuart Bussey expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, "We've lost many of the positions. They're not coming here, they're not staying here. We need better healthcare benefits so they will stay in Los Angeles County. They're dedicated people but they need to be taken care of."

According to CBS Los Angeles, one of the striking concerns raised by the union is the high number of job openings that remain unfilled across various county departments. For instance, within L.A. County Jails, the shortage of psychiatrists has reached a critical point, as the department struggles to fill a staggering 70% of its vacancies.

In addition to the call for improved healthcare benefits, the UAPD has urged the county to enroll in the State Disability Insurance Program. The hope is that this move will help attract more female healthcare professionals to the various departments by offering supplemental disability insurance, specifically designed to support female physicians with family planning.

As the rallying cries echo through the streets of Los Angeles, it is evident that the healthcare professionals represented by the UAPD are steadfast in their quest for better working conditions, benefits, and support. The rallying point for these dedicated individuals is to ensure that the healthcare needs of Los Angeles County are met, and that healthcare professionals receive the care and benefits they deserve in return for their unwavering dedication to their communities.