Three Unions Representing LAUSD Workers Threaten Joint Strike on April 14

The Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation's second-largest school system, faces a potential strike from three unions representing nearly 85% of its workforce. United Teachers Los Angeles, Service Employees International Union Local 99, and Associated Administrators of Los Angeles together represent about 70,000 employees, including teachers, support staff, and administrators.

District officials have confirmed that a walkout by any two of the unions would lead to school closures.

Negotiations for new contracts have stalled for all three unions. The unions seek significant pay increases, though specific proposals differ. They maintain that the district holds over $5 billion in reserves, sufficient to fund agreements.

Los Angeles represents teachers, counselors, nurses, and librarians.

SEIU Local 99 includes bus drivers, teacher aides, cafeteria workers, technology support staff, and custodians. Associated Administrators of Los Angeles covers principals, assistant principals, and middle-management supervisors. This alliance marks a departure from historical tensions between administrators and rank-and-file unions.

In the 1990s, the groups supported opposing candidates in school board elections. During the 2019 teachers' strike, administrators crossed picket lines to maintain school operations, including food distribution and student supervision over six days. Past strikes by United Teachers Los Angeles occurred in 1970 and 1989, contributing to lingering resentments.

Administrators typically align with district leadership, as seen at events like the superintendent's annual address. The current AALA president, Nery Paiz, has developed a relationship with Superintendent Alberto Carvalho to advance contract goals.

leaders emphasize continued negotiations while preparing for a strike if needed.

“With over 5 BILLION dollars in reserves, we know that LAUSD can absolutely provide all of its employees with a fair contract," said Jessica Rodarte, an incoming UTLA vice president. "We will continue to negotiate with the district in good faith, and we hope that they do the right thing. If they don’t, we are ready, willing and able to strike to fight for a just contract.”

“We don’t want to strike," said Charmell Lee, a special education assistant and a member of Local 99. "But we will if that’s what it takes to ensure our families can survive, and our students have all the support they need — inside and outside the classroom." — Los Angeles Times An AALA bulletin stated that negotiations are close but salary must reflect the value of administrators' work. Experts note that union coordination is common in labor movements, often through sympathy strikes or solidarity actions. Dan Schnur, who teaches political communications at UC Berkeley and USC, described the alliance as rare and enhancing bargaining power, though it requires sustained solidarity. Tia Koonse, policy director at UCLA Labor Center, said such coordination disrupts operations when effective. The potential strike affects over 500,000 students and their families, potentially disrupting education and support services. Schools serve diverse communities in Los Angeles, with implications for daily routines and academic progress. Next steps include ongoing talks, with the strike date set for April 14 unless agreements are reached.”