(Los Angeles, CA) On Wednesday, January 25, UTLA’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to support SEIU Local 99 in case of a potential strike against LAUSD – including encouraging UTLA members to exercise their right to not cross a lawful picket line should SEIU Local 99 go on strike.   

Local 99 will be voting on a strike authorization between January 23 – February 10. The strike authorization vote comes after nearly two years of negotiations with the district that resulted in no real movement on their demands for competitive salaries, job security, and professional respect.

As educators, we believe every student has the right to wrap-around services and an education that will allow them to succeed and be safe inside and outside the classroom. This includes salary increases for educators and other school essential workers, fully staffed schools, green and clean environments, and enrichment opportunities – contract demands that we share in common with SEIU Local 99- but the district has continuously declined to address these issues with any seriousness or urgency at the bargaining table. 

“Our power as workers – educators and all who work to provide service to LAUSD students – comes from our unity.  That is why the UTLA Board of Directors voted unanimously to support SEIU Local 99 in their fight for a fair and equitable contract.  In negotiations with both UTLA and SEIU, LAUSD continues refusing to address essential bargaining demands for the basic needs of employees, students, and our communities, despite sitting on almost $4.9 Billion in reserves.  We will stand in solidarity with our sisters, brothers, and siblings in SEIU Local 99 in every step of their struggle.“

Cecily Myart-Cruz, UTLA President

It is a pivotal time to stand in support of the workers who help our schools run, including custodians, food service workers, teacher assistants, special education assistants, bus drivers, playground supervisors, after-school workers, and other essential workers represented by SEIU Local 99. 

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Equitable and sustainable access to academic opportunity for all students Equitable and sustainable access to needed technology Equitable School Funding Fully staffed schools through measures that attract and retain educators Healthy, Green Public Schools Safe School Climate Targeted support for students, parents, and our school communities Board of Directors