Union leader fasting outside USC urges council to press university on contract talks

During the council’s public comment period, Christine Chavez Delgado introduced Maria Elena Durazo — identified in the record as president of Local 11, the hotel employees’ union — who was reported to be on the ninth day of a water-only fast to protest prolonged contract talks at the University of Southern California.

Durazo’s statement, read and followed by her remarks, described multiple work stoppages over four years, suspensions and alleged retaliatory actions toward strike leaders. She asked the City Council to personally visit USC’s president and press the university for a negotiated contract that would protect workers’ job security. Reverent Delta Gracia Perez of Saint Philip the Evangelist Episcopal Church said the council should use its leadership to ensure fairness and urged members to meet the fast with action and prayer.

Council Member Goldberg volunteered to lead or join a lunchtime delegation to visit USC’s president. Several council members expressed sympathy and said they would consider visiting; the public comment period then closed.

Claims and requests recorded in the public comment included that USC workers have faced suspensions and pay cuts, that a strike leader was falsely accused but later cleared in an internal investigation, and that community members plan symbolic actions at a campus plaque if the university does not negotiate. The council did not take immediate formal action during the session beyond council members volunteering to meet with university leadership.