LAUSD and teachers union reach tentative agreement, but there could still be a strike Tuesday
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Los Angeles school officials announced on Sunday morning that a tentative agreement has been reached with the teachers union, making it possible that a planned Tuesday strike could be averted.The tentative two-year agreement with United Teachers Los Angeles would significantly increase salaries and raise the beginning teacher salary to $77,000 per year.The nearly 13.86% average increase is intended to “close the pay gap and strengthen recruitment and retention across the district,” according to a statement from UTLA.The ongoing cost of the agreement with UTLA is $650 million per year, a district spokesperson said.
In addition to salary hikes, the district has agreed to hire more counselors, give four weeks of paid parental leave and reduce class sizes in 11th and 12th grades.L.A.
Unified is continuing to meet with two other unions — Local 99 of Service Employees International Union and Associated Administrators of Los Angeles — to reach additional agreements that would avert a strike and keep schools open Tuesday.If the other unions fail to reach a tentative agreement with L.A.
Unified, the 37,000-member UTLA intends to wield its considerable power and honor the pickets of the other unions, according to UTLA, shuttering schools.The teachers union is able to do so because its agreement is not yet ratified, allowing union members to go on a solidarity strike, the union said in a bulletin to members.“Over the last 14 months, educators were told to settle for less while the district sat on funds meant for classrooms and students,” said Cecily Myart-Cruz, UTLA president.
“Our community knows schools succeed when educators are respected, fairly paid, and given the support to meet students’ needs.” Julie Van Winkle, UTLA vice president, said the tentative agreement “directly tackles the challenges our schools have faced for years and delivers a historic win for ...