Striking Little Lake City School District teachers and the district resumed negotiations Thursday, three days after district officials walked out of their latest talks, according to the union.
The Little Lake Education Association (LLEA) returned to the bargaining table Monday “after calls from parents, the community and three powerful strike days … ready to negotiate a fair contract,” a union statement released late Monday night said.
“Instead of a deal, the district came ill-prepared with no urgency to get kids back to the classroom.”
Union officials said the dispute centers on proposed midyear health care changes that could increase some employees’ monthly costs to as much as $1,400, which they contend amounts to a pay cut. They are also calling for smaller class sizes and more support for special education programs.
The district has not provided comments or a negotiation update since Sunday. The strike began last Thursday.
The district, headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, serves students in portions of Santa Fe Springs, Norwalk and a small part of Downey.
Teamsters Joint Council 42 President Victor Mineros issued a statement Thursday voicing support for the striking teachers.
“These educators shape the future of our communities every single day. They show up for our children, teach them, guide them, and prepare them to lead,” Mineros said.
“In return, the district has chosen to undervalue their work and push many to leave the community, and even the profession. Their fight is about dignity. It is about respect. It is about securing a fair contract that provides affordable healthcare, protects class sizes, and delivers the support students with special education needs deserve.”
Earlier this month, 94% of union members voted in favor of authorizing a strike.
Superintendent Jonathan Vasquez previously said officials were working to reach an agreement while maintaining financial stability.
“Our teachers and staff are at the heart of our district, and we remain committed to reaching an agreement that reflects their contributions while ensuring the long-term stability of our schools,” Vasquez said.
“The district strongly disagrees with the characterization that we are not investing in classrooms or student supports. Our budget reflects ongoing investments in instructional programs, special education services, and student interventions. At the same time, we must balance these priorities with our legal obligation to maintain fiscal solvency, including meeting the state-required reserve levels.”
Union officials also said they filed an unfair labor practice charge, alleging the district improperly asked educators to disclose their strike intentions.
“They’ve spent millions on outside contractors instead of investing in our classrooms,” Pilios said in an earlier statement. “Our students deserve better, and we refuse to accept cuts that harm both educators and the learning conditions our students depend on.”
The union is also seeking to recall all five members of the district’s Board of Education.