LOS ANGELES (KNX) — There’s still little progress in negotiations between the Los Angeles Unified School District and the teacher's union, the groups said after another round of negotiation discussions Thursday night.
The issue at hand is the district's continuation of its indoor mask mandate, which requires both students and staff to wear a mask while inside — despite the fact that California and Los Angeles County have lifted those restrictions.
The union and LAUSD are butting heads over several COVID-related issues, including the timeline in which to remove the indoor mandate, COVID testing requirements, and vaccine parameters.
The school district initially proposed ending the mask mandate Friday, according to ABC 7, but the teachers' union — United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), wanted to push that deadline back another 10 days to March 28.
The district’s mandate requirement remains in place as a result of its contract with UTLA, according to City News Service. While new superintendent Alberto Carvalho has already voiced his support for ending the mandate, nothing can be done until the union and district come to a mutual agreement.
“I am 100% committed to upholding our science-based approach to COVID-19 protocols,” Carvalho said in a statement shared on Twitter. “I strongly support amending Los Angeles Unified’s previously negotiated agreements to align with current health guidance released by the State of California and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.”
In a statement released to City News Service by UTLA, the union said last month that LAUSD schools are the safest in the United States because of educators and families demanding health and safety protocols.
“These protocols, like indoor masking, have protected tens of thousands of educators and more than half a million students, along with their families,” UTLA said.
“It is premature to discuss removing these health and safety measures while there are still many unvaccinated youth in our early education programs and schools."
Following Thursday night’s discussions, there is no new date for when talks will resume.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Related
