Union officials in the Los Angeles Unified School District announced on Wednesday that tens of thousands of employees and teachers would strike for three days next week over delayed contract negotiations, effectively closing down the US' second-largest school system.
The LA school workers strike was scheduled to start on Tuesday. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which represents roughly 30,000 teachers' assistants, custodians, school bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and other support employees, announced it during a demonstration, according to AP News.
The United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) has expressed support for the planned LA school workers strike. The organization represents 35,000 LA educators, counselors, and other staff members.
Teachers will "join our union siblings on the picket lines," according to a tweet from UTLA.
In 2019, teachers went on strike for six days over compensation and contract difficulties, although classes continued.
Employees Demand Better Wages, Services
Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho emailed parents on Monday that schools would likely shut down and virtual learning would be unavailable, per CBS News.
He noted they could not ensure "a safe and secure environment" for instruction during the LA school workers strike. Carvalho also claimed that the union was unresponsive to negotiations.
The Los Angeles school employees union demands "equitable wage increases," additional full-time employment, respectful treatment, and expanded staffing levels for better student services, CNN reported.
According to the union, most school employees are part-time and earn $25,000 a year, causing staffing issues.
The union also states that since April, its members have been in talks with the school system. The teachers union said that negotiations hit a stalemate in December, prompting the state to send in a mediator. The union reportedly said last month that 96% of its members voted to approve a school workers strike.
Over 500,000 learners are enrolled in the education system. It covers all or a portion of 25 additional cities and outlying county areas outside of Los Angeles.
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