LAUSD, teachers union reach tentative labor deal
The Los Angeles Unified School District and the union representing its teachers announced on Tuesday, April 18, they have reached a tentative labor agreement that includes a 21% salary increase and reductions in class sizes.
“With this tentative agreement, LAUSD now has an opportunity to become one of the most successful school districts in the country,” United Teachers Los Angeles President Cecily Myart-Cruz said in a statement. “We held the line during bargaining on a number of initiatives because educators are the experts on what has the ability to transform LAUSD into a more equitable environment that not only improves students’ learning, but also the quality of life for L.A. families.
“Smaller class sizes will give our kids the attention and care they require, and competitive salaries will ensure our schools can successfully hire, retain and develop successful teachers and educators to mold our young leaders of tomorrow.”
The district issued a statement saying the agreement “significantly increases salaries for teachers across the district.”
“This agreement also focuses on instruction by reducing class sizes and increasing mental health and counseling services in order to better support the needs of students,” according to the district. “In keeping with the priorities in Los Angeles Unified’s Strategic Plan, the agreement with UTLA addresses years of pay inequity and inflation.”
The tentative contract, covering 2022-25, still needs to be ratified by UTLA members and the LAUSD Board of Education.
The district’s board on Tuesday is scheduled to approve a labor deal it reached late last month with the Service Employees International Union Local 99, which represents service workers. That contract includes a roughly 30% salary increase for custodians, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, special education assistants and others.
The SEIU union staged a three-day strike in late March, and the UTLA union honored the picket line, shutting down district schools. Reaching the agreement with UTLA eliminates the possibility of another potential work stoppage.
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