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LAUSD Negotiations
LAUSD reached tentative agreements with two of its three major unions, UTLA and AALA.
“Los Angeles Unified and SEIU Local 99 are still in negotiations and talks may continue throughout the night”
Negotiations with SEIU Local 99 continued into the night.
LAUSD serves roughly 400,000 students across 1,302 campuses.
The UTLA deal includes an 11.65% salary increase over two years, raising the starting teacher salary to $77,000.
SEIU Local 99, representing about 30,000 aides and support staff, remained the holdout.
The three unions had agreed to walk out together if any one did not reach a deal.
SEIU Local 99 Standoff
SEIU Local 99 members earn an average of $35,000 a year.
They have been asking for a 30% raise over three years.
LAUSD's most recent offer was a 13% wage increase over three years.
Santos Robles said, We have members that work two hours. You can't make a living there.
Special education assistants do physically demanding work that doesn't show up on timesheets.
The holdout of SEIU Local 99 has been a central sticking point.
Community Impact and Response
The potential strike would disrupt instruction for more than 400,000 students.
“It takes more than teachers to shape a student’s education”
LAUSD launched a dedicated website with resources for families.
The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks prepared to offer free programming at 30 centers.
Coalition groups rallied in support of SEIU Local 99.
The California Legislature submitted a letter urging LAUSD to meet SEIU's demands.
99% of SEIU members cannot afford a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles County.
Political and Fiscal Context
The negotiations unfolded amid a projected $191 million deficit.
The unions pointed to $5 billion in reserves.
Inflation rates were at 3.3%, higher than the 3% immediate salary increase proposed.
The cost of living in Los Angeles is roughly 50% higher than the national average.
LAUSD is one of the highest-paying districts in the country for teachers.
The fiscal constraints and demographic shifts pose challenges.