Los Angeles Unified School District campuses reopen Friday following 3-day strike
Los Angeles Unified School District campuses will reopen Friday morning following a three-day strike by teachers and staff this week.
Parent Gabriella Salazar was dropping off her kids at school early Friday morning.
"Bringing them back because I have to go to work, so I have to bring them this early," said Salazar.
What did you do these last three days?
"Struggled. I struggled bad. But we got through, we pulled through. Thank God now we're back," said Salazar.
Do you hope they come to an agreement? Do you think they deserve more money?
"I do. I really do, because they do a lot for our kids, believe it or not," said Salazar. "For example, right now I'm bringing them, I leave them all day and they're watching them, and I know they're safe, they're good. I do agree with them."
District employees represented by Service Employees International Union Local 99, including bus drivers, custodians, teachers' aides, cafeteria workers and other support staff, were on strike for better pay and more hours. Teachers with the United Teachers Los Angeles union went on strike in solidarity.
Teachers and staff began walking picket lines Tuesday morning after ongoing negotiations with district administrators failed over the previous week. About 60,000 people were involved in the combined strike.
More than 1,000 LAUSD campuses were closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, affecting about 400,000 students in the nation's second largest school district.
SEIU Local 99 employees are seeking a 30-percent raise, more staffing and more hours for part-time workers. SEIU employees reportedly make an average of $25,000 per year.
The district has countered with a 23-percent raise and a 3-percent cash bonus and says it's open to further negotiations.
LAUSD administrators and SEIU Local 99 representatives resumed negotiations Wednesday with the support of L.A. Mayor Karen Bass's office.
SEIU representatives say if they don't come to an agreement with the school district soon, they have not ruled out the possibility they will walk off the job once again.
