Looming labor actions threaten to paralyze Los Angeles schools, as thousands of L.A. Unified non-teaching workers rally to voice their discontent on Sunday (August 6). Local 99 of the Service Employees International Union, representing 30,000 workers ranging from cafeteria staff to special education assistants, is at the forefront of these actions. They're further backed by United Teachers Los Angeles, boasting a 35,000-strong force of educators and professionals.

Having hit a negotiation standstill over a desired 30% raise, with a more substantial hike for the lowest earners, Local 99 is determined to press its demands. "This is a lawful strike to protest the district’s unfair practices," said a union spokesperson, pointing out last month's strike vote surveillance and intimidation.

Bypassing traditional negotiation steps, United Teachers Los Angeles is simultaneously negotiating for a 20% pay rise over two years and a slew of other initiatives. A notable move by the teachers' union was the termination of its contract with the district – a strategic legal pivot allowing its members to join Local 99's protest, thereby showcasing robust union solidarity.

With past friction over contract terminations leading to a 2019 six-day teachers strike, both unions hope their united front will compel the district to heed their demands.

Los Angeles with thousands of L.A. Unified’s non-teaching workers, actions that would likely shut down schools amid an explosion of labor discontent.

The labor action would be led by Local 99 of Service Employees International Union, which represents 30,000 cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodians, special education assistants and others. Local 99 would be joined by United Teachers Los Angeles, which represents about 35,000 teachers, counselors, therapists, nurses and librarians.

Local 99 has reached an impasse with the district in months-long negotiations for an across-the-board 30% raise and more for the lowest earners.
“Over three days we can show the district that we are fed-up with their disrespect and not afraid to take strong action to demand respect for our work,” “This is a lawful strike to protest the district’s unfair practices, including threats, interrogation and surveillance of members who participated in last month’s strike vote.”

An unfair practice charge strike — of a specific duration — can take place without going through the steps of the traditional negotiation process, both unions say.

United Teachers Los Angeles is also in the throes of labor negotiations, seeking a 20% wage increase over two years and a long list of initiatives. Alberto Carvalho saying it was terminating its contract with the district, a legal maneuver that would allow its members to join Local 99’s strike, according to information posted online by the union.

The joint rally with Local 99 is intended to demonstrate the force of union solidarity, ratcheting up pressure on the district. If Local 99 does not reach an agreement, teachers would stay home or picket alongside them, the union said in an online post.

“Terminating the contract takes away from LAUSD executing a frivolous legal argument that they raised in 2019 that terminating the contract must occur before ... UTLA as an organization can engage” in a strike, a union FAQ states. The union was referring to an attempt by L.A. Unified to delay or halt what became a six-day teachers strike in January 2019.