The Los Angeles service workers union struck a deal with the Los Angeles Unified School District at nearly 2 a.m. on Tuesday, averting a strike that would have impacted thousands of students.
Officials with SEIU Local 99, which represents around 30,000 district employees, such as bus drivers and custodians, posted about the tentative agreement on its Instagram.
“From raises and more hours to protections against subcontracting, increased staffing, and stopping IT layoffs—this is what our collective power made possible,” the caption read.
LAUSD officials released the following statement from Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait:
“We are proud to have reached resolution with all of our Labor partners—UTLA, SEIU, and AALA Teamsters Local 2010—ensuring stability for our schools and continuity for the students and families we serve. Our commitments reflect the dedication of our entire workforce. We are grateful for the collaboration that made this possible and hopeful that this marks a new chapter of partnership. At the same time, we are clear-eyed about the challenges ahead and know that meeting them will require continued trust, shared responsibility, and a united focus on what matters most—our students."
Former L.A. School Board member David Tokofsky told KNX News’ Jon Baird that Mayor Karen Bass had to step in to get a deal done.
“This was brinksmanship of the worst type, but a good call out to the mayor for stepping in and bringing both sides together,” he said.
At a press conference, Bass said she was happy a deal was reached.
"I stand here before you today as your mayor, but also as a proud LAUSD graduate, parent and grandparent whose daughter was very happy to hear that my grandson was going to school today," she said.
Baird spoke with people outside Magnolia Elementary School who said they were relieved a strike was averted.
“I feel service workers, TAs - they deserve this,” an office worker said. “They work hard.”
Flubia, a union member, said she is thrilled the strike didn’t happen
“I found out about 1:30 in the morning, that was when it was official with SEIU, which I’m very happy, ”she said.
The tentative deal includes a 24% wage increase over three years, including 12% in retro pay, no layoffs for IT workers, more hours to qualify for health insurance, and protections against subcontracting.
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