Los Angeles Unified School District officials Thursday remained steadfast in their ability to negotiate and avoid a possible labor strike a day after the union representing teachers announced to strike April 14 if a new contract is not reached.
Interim LAUSD Superintendent Andres Chait said “Nobody wants a strike,” during a morning news conference at the district’s downtown headquarters. Chait emphasized district officials will work with union representatives around the clock to come to an agreement.
“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,” Chait said. “But we also have a responsibility to be careful stewards of the financial resources that our taxpayers entrust to us.”
On Wednesday, members of the United Teachers Los Angeles organized a rally at Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles to announce the strike date, which the union said could be avoided if negotiations lead to a contract agreement. Members of Service Employees International Union Local 99 and Associated Administrators of Los Angeles joined the teachers union in solidarity.
UTLA officials said the union is calling for wage increases totaling roughly 17% over two years — saying teachers are not being paid enough to afford to live in Los Angeles. The union is also calling for no layoffs, increased hours and staffing for student services, protections against subcontracting and artificial intelligence that might replace educators, smaller classes, more mental health and special education staff and counselors, and expanded arts and physical education programs.
The union planned Wednesday’s rally to “make the message loud and clear: we are united and we are not backing down until LAUSD prioritizes investment in our schools and classrooms.”
UTLA teachers have not gone on strike since January 2019, when they walked off the job for six days. The union has roughly 30,000 members including teachers, counselors and librarians. The union’s contract with the district expired last June 30.
In January, roughly 94% of the union’s members voted to authorize their leaders to call a strike.
Chait reiterated Thursday the district offered the union an 8% pay raise, plus a one-time 3% bonus, over the next two years. The district noted that over the past 10 years, the 20 largest school districts in the state gave an average pay raise to teachers of 30%, while LAUSD gave 36% over that same period.
“We certainly recognize that the cost of living in Los Angeles continues to rise. And in response, we have committed to significant raises for our employees among the highest offers in the state,” Chait said.
Chait added the district presented an offer that allowed for the reopening of negotiations if their financial situation were to improve.
“We will continue to show up at the bargaining table, and we believe that we can reach an agreement with all of our labor partners,” Chait said.
The district is facing what officials described as “unprecedented external pressures,” such as the continuing impact of federal immigration enforcement in L.A. communities, as well as uncertainty related to state and federal funding and a decrease in student enrollment.
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.
Board member Rocio Rivas directed a message to parents and families.
“As a parent of an LAUSD student, I understand the concern and uncertainty that comes from this moment,” Rivas said. “As negotiations continue, our responsibility is to reach a fair agreement while maintaining a stable environment for all our students.”
“Our educators deserve a fair contract and our students deserve stability. We are committed to doing our part to reach an agreement. All we are committed to do everything in our power to reach an agreement that supports both, our employees and also our students,” Rivas added.