LAUSD came to bargaining yesterday with no serious proposals to settle this contract. After seven months, LAUSD refuses to provide a full counterproposal on class size and staffing, even though they have a legal obligation to respond. They have not responded to our proposals for more PSAs, PSWs, counselors, or school psychologists, and they still insist on lowering class size in only one grade in just 100 schools.

LAUSD presented a counterproposal on Substitutes. They refuse to lower the threshold for healthcare eligibility from 100 to 90 workdays and refuse to increase sick days and allow sick days to be banked. LAUSD also presented a counterproposal on Article XXXI: Working Conditions with only one change — a statement that amounts to a still too-weak commitment to clean and safe work environments.

In contrast, UTLA presented a counterproposal that connects with the heart of the Beyond Recovery platform — there is NO time to lose to address the crises that impact educators, students, and families, like the lack of green space and the housing crisis.
 
Yesterday’s counterproposal included demands for: 

  • Arts & libraries: Investment in instruments and music supplies, annual per-student allotment for library books
  • Childcare: LAUSD advocates for free and low-cost childcare
  • Tech: Upgraded tech, including reliable internet access and computers for students and educators
  • Healthy, green public schools: Expanded green space, outdoor learning spaces, shaded play areas, clean water collection, increased healthy food options
  • Housing crisis: School-based supports for unhoused youth, use LAUSD land to develop affordable housing, advocate for Section 8 vouchers

We need to get this contract settled this school year. We need the raise this school year. We need a guarantee of smaller classes before next year. Our students need the additional social and emotional support staff now. We have to force LAUSD to start bargaining now. 

The regional rallies on December 5 will send LAUSD into the winter break with a message that they better come back in January with real proposals to settle this contract because UTLA members are ready to fight for what our schools need. Commit to show our power and sign up for the December 5 rallies.