Los Angeles school officials announced Sunday morning that a tentative agreement has been reached with the teachers union, potentially averting a planned strike for Tuesday.
Talks Continue
The tentative two-year agreement with United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) would significantly increase salaries, raising the beginning teacher salary to $77,000 per year. The average increase is nearly 13.86%, intended to “close the pay gap and strengthen recruitment and retention across the district,” and would cost the district $650 million annually.
In addition to salary increases, the district agreed to hire more counselors, provide four weeks of paid parental exit, and reduce class sizes in 11th and 12th grades. However, the agreement does not guarantee schools will remain open. L.A. Unified is continuing negotiations with two other unions – Local 99 of the Service Employees International Union and Associated Administrators of Los Angeles – to reach agreements and prevent a strike.
If those negotiations fail, the 37,000-member UTLA has indicated it will honor the pickets of the other unions, effectively shutting down schools. This is possible due to the fact that the UTLA agreement is not yet ratified, allowing members to participate in a solidarity strike.
UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz stated, “Over the last 14 months, educators were told to settle for less although the district sat on funds meant for classrooms and students.” UTLA Vice President Julie Van Winkle said the agreement “directly tackles the challenges our schools have faced for years and delivers a historic win for those who craft public education possible.”
Local 99 Update
Local 99, representing approximately 30,000 school employees including custodians, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers, is seeking a more substantial offer. The union stated that the district’s current offer “is still NOT ENOUGH,” as its members struggle financially, with an average salary of $35,000 per year. Local 99 is prepared to move forward with strike plans if an agreement isn’t reached by Tuesday.
The union is coordinating food distribution for its members, with distribution planned after strike rallies on Tuesday and Friday.
Update on Administrators
Associated Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA) is seeking a 7% raise for the current school year and 6% for the next, while the district has offered 4% for each year. AALA President Maria Nichols told members Sunday morning they are “closer than ever to a contract settlement.”
Instructions for Families
The school district has released details of food distribution sites and limited community-based “child supervision” sites in the event of a strike. These sites cannot accommodate children with moderate to severe disabilities or those younger than 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of the UTLA agreement?
A tentative two-year agreement has been reached with United Teachers Los Angeles, but it is not yet ratified. UTLA could still strike in solidarity with other unions.
Which other unions are involved in negotiations?
Local 99 of the Service Employees International Union and Associated Administrators of Los Angeles are also negotiating with L.A. Unified.
What is the average salary of Local 99 members?
The average salary for members of Local 99 is $35,000 per year, according to the union.
As negotiations continue with the remaining unions, will Los Angeles schools remain open on Tuesday?
Related reading