Los Angeles schools union says it's ready to strike

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(The Center Square) – Members of United Teachers Los Angeles say they're prepared to strike if the Los Angeles Unified School District does not agree to the union's demand for a 17% pay increase over two years.

A union rally is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. local time Wednesday afternoon at Gloria Molina Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles.

Gina Gray, a high school English teacher and UTLA member, will be in attendance.

“Basically, we are showing our solidarity with other unions, SEIU Local 99 and AALA, and really just demanding that the district invest in our schools and our salaries and our students and our communities,” Gray told The Center Square Wednesday. “This district has the money, and our schools have been suffering due to underinvestment.”

To date, there have been approximately 20 bargaining sessions for the union and the nation's second-largest school district.

According to Gray, district officials “have not been very good at listening.” She added that what they have been good at is spending money in other areas.

“We have evidence that shows where our district has been investing in private equity and in tech,” said Gray. “We know our district has the funds. It’s just about the priorities now.”

Gray said better support for staff would mean a lot amid the affordability crisis in Los Angeles. 

She noted 21% of full-time faculty and staff would qualify for affordable housing in California.

“We have many teachers, new teachers who can’t afford to live and work in the communities they serve,” said Gray.

Gray said it does not have to be this way.  

UTLA members – which include more than just educators - say they want to avoid a strike.

“We want to settle this contract that is fair and equitable for our families and communities, but if comes to a strike, we are ready,” said Gray. “The members have already voted in support of a strike authorization.”

The Center Square reached out to LAUSD for comment, but did not hear back by press time.

Meanwhile, Oleada Inc., an organization that promotes parent leadership, amplifies voices and holds LAUSD accountable for academic results, weighed into the conversation.

“Although LAUSD has a structural deficit and approved a central staff reduction for next school year under their Fiscal Stabilization Plan, UTLA continues to insist the raises offered thus far and fully funded family health care are not sufficient — instead demanding a 17% increase over two years,” Maria Luisa Palma, executive director of Oleada Inc., told The Center Square.

“Why is UTLA possibly calling for a strike before receipt of the neutral Fact-Finding and recommended settlement report expected March 30?" she asked on Wednesday. "Is UTLA afraid the fact-finding report will show LAUSD’s offer is fair given the circumstances?”

A fact-finding report is required by California law and is created during labor issues. A neutral panel reviews the arguments from the district and union before making recommendations for a settlement. 

Palma said “LA’s children continue to be used as pawns” when UTLA chooses not to work. For example, Palma pointed to the two prior strikes and the COVID shutdowns for a year and a half.

“Enough, UTLA!” said Palma.

During this bargaining round, LAUSD began publishing summarized bargaining updates on social media, in both English and Spanish, which explain their offers and status. Palma considers them to be very helpful.

“Parents can be informed of the facts based on the use of education funds, and not just from UTLA’s brinksmanship perspective,” said Palma.