Los Angeles County Federation of Labor supports potential LAUSD teacher strike
The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor said it backs the teacher and staff unions to go on strike against the Los Angeles Unified School District should a contract dispute not be resolved.
The announcement comes as the United Teachers Los Angeles and SEIU Local 99 unions are in contract negotiations with the district, saying earlier that if their demands aren't met, they are ready to walk out later this month. Union leaders have set April 14 as a potential strike date,
"This morning we stand in strong and unwavering solidarity with educators and school workers who show up every single day for our students, for our families and for the future of public education in Los Angeles," LACFL President Yvonne Wheeler said during a Wednesday news conference.
Wheeler continued to say that UTLA and SEIU Local 99 members are done with being "undervalued, undersourced, and unheard."
UTLA, which represents roughly 30,000 educators, has called for wage increases of about 17% over two years, along with smaller class sizes, expanded student services, and protections against layoffs.
"The fight is not just about wages and benefits. It's about dignity. It's about ensuring every classroom has the support it needs. It's about making sure every student has a real opportunity to succeed, and it's about treating every worker with fairness and respect," Wheeler said.
She said the district is choosing to delay rather than make "meaningful progress" during negotiations.
Julie Van Winkle, UTLA Vice President, said they are demanding a fair contract. "Our fight is a fight for working people to be able to continue to afford to live in LA." She said the district has the funds, but that their priorities are "upside down," with money being spent on nonessentials.
"We think the school district is doing that now. There's so much money being invested in these private contracts, billions and billions of dollars, and yet they say there isn't enough money to pay workers a living wage," Van Winkle said.
LAUSD officials say they are committed to reaching a deal and avoiding a strike, noting they have offered UTLA members an 8% raise and a one-time 3% bonus over two years. LAUSD's labor team and SEIU officials met with a state mediator last month, and before that meeting, a proposed LAUSD contract included a 13% wage increase over three years.
Interim LAUSD Superintendent Andres Chait said last month that the public school system is experiencing unprecedented external pressures. These include "the continuing impact of immigration enforcement in our communities as well as uncertainty around state and federal funding, while also being impacted by decreasing enrollment."
A Los Angeles Unified spokesperson released the following statement:
"Los Angeles Unified remains available to meet with our labor partners at their convenience, day and night, for continued negotiations. We are committed to staying at the table to reach a fair agreement that supports our students and employees and prevents a strike."
