The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor announced Wednesday it has unanimously approved a strike sanction for Los Angeles Unified School District teachers and education workers as a potential walkout looms later this month.
The announcement was made at a news conference Wednesday at the federation’s headquarters in the Westlake area, where labor leaders outlined support from unions across the region for a possible walkout by members of United Teachers Los Angeles and SEIU Local 99.
“This is a unified movement, demanding respect and a fair contract,” said Yvonne Wheeler, president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.
“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.”
A strike sanction would mean affiliated unions will support the action by honoring picket lines, participating in rallies and backing workers if a strike occurs.
Union leaders have set April 14 as a potential strike date if agreements are not reached with LAUSD. SEIU Local 99 is also expected to announce the cancellation of its contract, a final procedural step before a strike.
The move follows weeks of escalating tensions between the district and its labor partners. 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.
LAUSD officials have said they remain committed to reaching a deal and avoiding a strike, noting they have offered an 8% raise and a one-time 3% bonus while citing financial constraints.
“Nobody wants a strike,” interim LAUSD Superintendent Andres Chait said last month.
“We have a responsibility to our community to provide a quality education to our students and to make sure employees are compensated fairly and equitably,” he added.
LAUSD Board of Education President Scott Schmerelson echoed Chait’s message, adding the district must continue to bargain in good faith just as the union should bargain in good faith.
“Everyone has to take a deep breath and give a little and work together,” Schmerelson said last month.
If no agreement is reached, the strike would mark the first major work stoppage by LAUSD teachers since a six-day walkout in 2019.
Separately, LAUSD announced Wednesday it had reached a tentative labor agreement with the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council covering the 2025-28 contract period. District officials said the agreement includes annual 4% raises over the next two school years and other benefits, marking progress in negotiations with one of several labor groups.