LAUSD, teachers union reach tentative labor deal including higher starting pay, salary scales
The Los Angeles Unified School District and a local teachers union reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, days before what was set to be a massive work shortage later this week, the district and union announced.
According to United Teachers Los Angeles, negotiators reached a tentative deal on a two-year contract early Sunday morning.
"The flexing of our collective power forced LAUSD to direct significant funding into critical priorities identified by UTLA members in the Win Our Future contract demands," the union said.
The LAUSD said the new agreement raises union members' salary scales by 11.65% and makes the beginning teacher salary $77,000 per year.
Sunday's tentative agreement does not rule out a strike on Tuesday completely, as LAUSD continues to negotiate with unions representing administrators and other support staff, but the district remained optimistic that school can operate as scheduled that day. The UTLA said it will strike on Tuesday in solidarity with those unions if an agreement isn't reached.
"We will continue to meet with our remaining labor partners throughout the weekend with the intent to reach additional agreements that would allow us to keep schools open on Tuesday, April 14," LAUSD said.
In a news release, the UTLA summarized the tentative deal. Details include:
- An average salary increase for member teachers of 13.86%
- Paid parental leave
- An additional 450 positions for school psychologists, counselors and other emotional support staff
- Penalty pay for educators due to special education class size violations
- Protections against artificial intelligence
- Contractual support for immigrant students and families
- Healthcare for substitute teachers after 93 days worked rather than 100
To go into effect, the tentative deal must be approved through a vote for members prior to ratification by the school board.