The Los Angeles Unified School District and Service Employees International Union Local 99 have reached an agreement to provide significant raises and improved benefits for its workers. The agreement includes a series of retroactive pay increases totaling a 30 percent raise, setting the minimum wage for workers to $22.52 per hour, higher than the minimum wage for Los Angeles and California. In addition, those employed during the academic year 2020-2021 will receive a $1,000 bonus and qualified dependents of employees working at least four hours per day will receive health care benefits. The district is also investing $3 million in a new professional and educational development fund.
The landmark agreement has been hailed by Superintendent Albert Carvalho as it honors and elevates the workforce while protecting critical services for students and the financial viability of the district. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is credited with helping secure the agreement, which is expected to be approved by the school board and the full union. ,
The strike, which began on Tuesday and involved bus drivers, custodians and other support staff, was supported by United Teachers Los Angeles, the union representing 35,000 educators, counselors and other staff members. The strike aimed to address the issue of underpaid workers, with SEIU members without a contract since June 2020 and teachers without a contract since June 2022. ,
The agreement promises to set new standards for school workers and their families and is a testament to the power of solidarity and collective action. Mayor Bass has called for continued efforts to address the high cost of living in Los Angeles and to support more L.A. funding. Public schools are public schools.