Statement from Los Angeles Unified (03-08-23)

Statement from Los Angeles Unified

Los Angeles, CA (March 8, 2023) – Yesterday, SEIU Local 99 provided 10 days' notice of their intent to end their contract with Los Angeles Unified. This action takes them one step closer to a strike, which would cause a significant disruption to instruction, and would adversely impact our entire system. 

Los Angeles Unified is disappointed that SEIU is walking away from negotiations with so much on the table. We want to do right by our employees, which is why Superintendent Carvalho made one of the strongest offers ever proposed by a Los Angeles Unified Superintendent, offering historic compensation increases and benefits aligned with SEIU’s requests. Our current multiyear offer would:

• Provide a greater than 15% ongoing wage increase and a 9% retention bonus

  • 5% ongoing wage increase retroactive to July 1, 2021

  • 5% ongoing wage increase retroactive to July 1, 2022

  • 5% ongoing wage increase effective July 1, 2023

  • 4% bonus in 2022-2023

  • 5% bonus in 2023-2024

• Provide an equity adjustment for anyone making less than $30 an hour

• Bring our Los Angeles Unified minimum wage to more than $20 an hour, outpacing the City of Los Angeles and the State of California

• Secure health benefits for part-time employees assigned to work four or more hours a day, including coverage for their qualified dependents

• Increase hours and wages for paraprofessionals serving students with special needs

• Invest $3 million in an Education and Professional Development Fund for SEIU members

Ultimately, we must do what is in the best interest of our students as well as our workforce, which includes exercising fiscal responsibility. Our general fund is not a flexible budget reserve – the District cannot go bankrupt. We need to be united in our efforts to provide every child with access to a high-quality public education that will prepare them for success in school and life. 

Los Angeles Unified will continue to provide updates as we begin preparations to reduce the unavoidable impact on students and families should SEIU decide on the unfortunate step of striking. 

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