LOS ANGELES – More than 30,000 teachers and educational workers stood shoulder to shoulder today, Wednesday, March 18, in a “Fight for LA Rally” to protest Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) failure to address critical issues in our schools and key contract demands. Members of United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 99, and Associated Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA) gathered alongside students, parents, community members, and allies to show they are strike-ready if LAUSD refuses to negotiate a fair and just contract.
“For over a year, LAUSD has dragged their feet and showed nothing but disrespect for what educators are dealing with,” said UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz. “Instead of working with us as partners, LAUSD has put up roadblocks and refused to invest where it matters most: our classrooms. Ten billion to private companies, five billion stowed away in reserves, and LAUSD comes to contract negotiations with UTLA, with SEIU, and with AALA, offering pennies in comparison. Our students are counting on us to be out there to fight for them, for safe schools, and a bright future. We are the ones who hold the line for the schools they deserve.”
UTLA members announced they will go on strike Tuesday, April 14, if contract negotiations with LAUSD remain unresolved and will remain on strike with no set end date until an agreement is reached. The strike can still be averted if the district reaches a settlement before that date. If it occurs, it would mark the first time UTLA has gone on an economic strike since 2019. Additionally, SEIU Local 99 members announced an Unfair Practice Charge (UPC) strike alongside UTLA’s mobilization, in response to the district’s retaliation and bad-faith bargaining.
“The district can’t run our schools without teachers and classified workers, and we know our power when we stand together. This really is about more than solidarity—it’s about getting ready to fight back. Our students deserve fully staffed schools, and we’re united and ready to do what it takes to win what we deserve,” said Conrado Guerrero, LAUSD Building Engineer and SEIU Local 99 President.
For nearly a year, UTLA and SEIU 99 have been at the bargaining table fighting to secure a strong, equitable contract that would recruit and retain school workers, increase accountability for LAUSD staffing ratio violations, stop the outsourcing of staff positions, and expand investments in our schools, including arts education and the mental health supports students need to thrive.
“One of the most important things that our students need are psychiatric social workers (PSW), school psychologists, and other support staff on campus. Currently, at my school, our PSW and school psychologist are only there a few days a week, and I think in these current times—with what’s going on with ICE and even what’s been happening post-pandemic—there’s been a lot of trauma with our children within our school communities. I think it’s really important for them to get mental health support as well as emotional support,” said Cecille Cervancia, school site coordinator and UTLA member.
Recent disclosures also show that LAUSD has committed $10 billion in multi-year contracts to private companies since 2022. Educators and school staff are calling on LAUSD to eliminate unnecessary spending and redirect those resources into classrooms.
“We work so hard for our students and our own families. LAUSD must treat us like the professionals we are and pay us a salary commensurate with the work we do day in and day out.We shouldn’t have to choose between being present caregivers for our families and giving our all to our students,” said Emily Reyes, teacher at Laurel Cinematic Arts & Creative Technologies Magnet School and UTLA member.
