Los Angeles schools avoided a strike that would have impacted nearly 400,000 students after the district and the union representing support staff reached a tentative deal early Tuesday. SEIU Local 99, which represents about 30,000 aides, bus drivers, custodians, and cafeteria workers, announced the agreement on social media, calling it a "major gain" with 24% wage increases, more hours, and protections against subcontracting. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) confirmed the agreement in principle, allowing schools to remain open Tuesday while finalizing details.
The deal also stopped IT layoffs, increased staffing, and expanded health care benefits for part-time workers. SEIU Local 99 members must still vote to ratify the agreement. The union thanked fellow unions and the community, stating the "victory belongs to ALL of us."
Teachers, principals, and staff had prepared to strike if no deal was reached. Unions representing these groups had already reached tentative agreements over the weekend. All three unions had pledged to walk out together if any one failed to secure a deal. This would have been the first time all three unions struck simultaneously, though support staff previously walked out in 2023 with partial school closures.
The negotiations focused on pay increases and work hours for part-time workers to qualify for health benefits. SEIU negotiator Santos Robles highlighted the challenges faced by workers, including some with only two-hour shifts and uncompensated labor, such as feeding and diapering special education students. A rally was held Monday in support of the union.
Families expressed anxiety over potential disruptions, particularly those with disabled children who rely on school support. Tania Rivera, a mother of two disabled children, said, "We need more aides at school," but also acknowledged the broader impact of a strike on low-income families.