LAUSD and Teachers Union Agree on Initial Deal Just Before Planned Strike

Tentative Agreement Reached Between LAUSD and Teacher Union, Strike Averted

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has announced a tentative contract agreement with the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), potentially averting a strike that was slated to begin on Tuesday.

UTLA is one of three unions in negotiations with the school district, having previously faced the threat of a walkout alongside two other unions also seeking new contracts.

In a statement released early Sunday, April 12, LAUSD expressed satisfaction with the new agreement, which includes an 11.65% salary increase for members and raises the starting salary for teachers to $77,000 annually. "We will continue to meet with our remaining labor partners throughout the weekend with the intent to reach additional agreements that would allow us to keep schools open on Tuesday, April 14," the district said.

LAUSD made it clear last week that while they were focused on avoiding a strike, they were preparing for the possibility of the first walkout since 2019. Contingency plans included arrangements for online learning and food distribution sites to support students and families.

"In the event a strike takes place, the District has developed comprehensive contingency plans designed to ensure we are providing available support in a range of scenarios," the district stated. "These preparations include plans to support continuity of learning, including take-home instructional materials and access to online learning."

Local 99, another union involved in ongoing negotiations, represents district cafeteria workers, special education assistants, custodians, and bus drivers. Executive Director Max Arias emphasized that a strike would be a "last resort," and the union is open to further discussions with LAUSD. Local 99 aims to secure more stable work schedules and mitigate recently announced layoffs affecting some of its members, as the district grapples with budget constraints leading to approximately 700 layoffs.

The LAUSD has proposed a 13% salary increase over three years, though the union is advocating for a more substantial raise. Additionally, the district recently met with the AALA/Teamsters 2010 Unit M, which represents principals and administrators, where a package including a 10% wage increase was discussed.

If an agreement cannot be reached by Tuesday, the three unions remain prepared to proceed with a strike, which would disrupt operations across LAUSD, even if some unions find an agreement independently.