LAUSD and Unions Engage in Important Mediation Amid Strike Concerns
Parents and Community Groups Urge LAUSD to Avert Strike
LOS ANGELES – High-stakes mediation is set for Thursday between representatives of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and SEIU Local 99, the union representing approximately 30,000 non-teaching employees. This meeting comes in the wake of a potential strike that could commence as early as Tuesday if an agreement is not reached.
The conflict primarily involves demands for higher salaries and more stable work schedules, with SEIU Local 99 advocating for improved compensation for cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodians, and special education assistants. While the district has proposed a 13% salary increase over the next three years, union representatives argue that this is inadequate.
Tensions have been exacerbated by a recent vote from the LAUSD Board of Education to lay off around 700 employees to help bridge budget deficits. The situation is further complicated by parallel negotiations with other unions, including United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) and AALA/Teamsters Local 2010.
UTLA is seeking an immediate 13% increase in starting salaries and substantial raises for veteran teachers, in response to a district offer of a gradual 10% raise by 2028 and a one-time 3% bonus. Similarly, AALA/Teamsters Local 2010 is advocating for a 7% raise this year, significantly above the district’s current offer of 4%.
Union leaders stress that a strike is a last resort, with SEIU Local 99 Executive Director Max Arias stating, "A strike is a last resort, and we are open to dialogue with LAUSD." The district maintains that its proposals, which are projected to cost around $480 million, reflect a balance between employee needs and financial responsibility.
As the mediation session approaches, the outcome remains uncertain. If no agreement is achieved, a coordinated strike involving SEIU Local 99, UTLA, and AALA/Teamsters Local 2010 could disrupt operations across the nation’s second-largest school system. Even partial walkouts could significantly impact campus activities and student services throughout Los Angeles.
