Thousands of cafeteria workers, bus drivers, janitors and special education assistants could soon be walking off of LAUSD campuses if the district is unable to reach a contract agreement.
Members of SEIU Local 99, the union representing nearly 30,000 non-teaching staff at Los Angeles Unified School District, this month voted to authorize a strike. They are demanding wage increases, more full-time work, respectful treatment and increased staffing levels.
The teachers’ union, United Teachers Los Angeles, is in the midst of contract negotiations of their own.
While no date has been set for a strike, the authorization vote will allow the union to move quickly if they deem such an action necessary.
“Our objective is to achieve a fair contract, so if we can get that and there’s no strike, that’s the best outcome for all,” said Max Arias, SEIU Local 99 executive director, in a recent interview. “But do not underestimate that our members are ready to walk out if needed.”
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said in a recent interview that he is committed to getting wage raises for all district staff that would be equal to, and ideally greater than, the rate of inflation.
The district released the following statement in response to the strike authorization:
“Los Angeles Unified is committed to fair and equitable negotiations that offset the pressures of inflation for all employees who serve our students and schools. We are hopeful that we will reach an agreement at the negotiating table that is beneficial to our dedicated workforce and avoids disrupting the significant improvements we are making in instruction and social emotional support for students, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic.”
SEIU members are among the lowest paid in the school district. The average salary of SEIU members is $25,000 and many work part-time hours. Union reps say that low pay and unreliable hours are behind the district’s staffing shortages.
“The lack of…
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