Tonight, after seven months (including the entire summer break) to work on a counter to UTLA’s thoughtfully presented salary proposal, the district showed up for the 11th bargaining session with a beyond insulting counterproposal: 

  • A 2% increase on year one
  • A 2% increase on year two
  • A wage re-opener (the ability to negotiate again) in year 3, with no guarantee of an increase  

A grand total increase of 4% across the board, over the life of the contract.  

On top of that insult, LAUSD generously “gave us the option” to use that first 2% to adjust the wage scale. (If we did that, some people would get less than 2%!) 

With LAUSD’s current proposal to freeze healthcare funding at the current rate, the 2% raise could be completely wiped out by huge monthly payments that could be imposed on LAUSD employees just to keep our health insurance. 

The 150-member UTLA Bargaining Team met separately from LAUSD in the middle of the session to consider their proposal, then told LAUSD clearly: 

  • We reject your proposal
  • And, we expect you to come back with a serious one

Other proposals that LAUSD brought to the table, recognizing the need for services, resources, and support in those areas, yet still fell short, included green schools, housing, support for immigrant students and families, and support for LGBTQIA+ students and educators.  

More details to follow in Friday’s newsletter.