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Maria Elena Durazo was angry.
As Los Angeles' reigning labor boss, she had packed the City Council chambers with dozens of union members, expecting action on an initiative that could eventually help large hotels modernize, creating and preserving jobs. Business interests were wary, knowing that as part of the proposal, Durazo also hoped to increase pay for hotel workers.
Durazo thought she had an ally in Councilman Paul Koretz, who would propose that the city study wage increases. Instead, he told the council he wanted to postpone the discussion. Summoning Koretz to the side of the chamber, Durazo was overheard demanding an explanation. "What the hell is going on, Paul?"
She then moved into a roped-off area reserved for lawmakers and their aides to buttonhole Council President Herb Wesson. After hushed exchanges, Wesson intoned into his microphone that the hotel item was back on the table. "Mr. Koretz would like to hear that item today."
The council didn't end up voting on the wage provision that day, but the workers got their chance to address lawmakers directly about their pay, setting the stage for a future legislative drive. It was an apt illustration of how Los Angeles' most powerful labor leader wields influence. Durazo tenaciously leverages the political clout of her 600,000-member Los Angeles County Federation of Labor to defend union jobs, increase pay and organize more workers.
The "county Fed," as it is known, coordinates political operations for more than 300 union locals whose members touch virtually every sector of the area's economy, from hotel waiters and LAX security officers to Hollywood set workers and government building inspectors, nurses and teachers.
From its headquarters west of downtown, it has an annual operating budget of about $3 million and employs just 15 workers directly.
Far more significant is Durazo's ability to direct millions of dollars and thousands of volunteers into campaigns by tapping individual members, allies and an array of union locals for support.
Durazo has presided over high-profile losses: Wendy Greuel was defeated in last month's mayoral contest after labor spent $5.8 million trying to elect her. Greuel was the federation's pick because she cultivated more "direct relationships" with local union leaders, according to Durazo. She also noted that as council president, Greuel's opponent,...