In recent weeks, labor tensions have been rising within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) as unions representing roughly 68,000 teachers, support staff, and administrators seek new contracts.
In order to improve pay, benefits, and working conditions, LAUSD unions are now negotiating new labor contracts. Many families will be greatly impacted by these negotiations since it could affect the quality of education and support services provided by LAUSD schools.
A number of unions representing LAUSD workers have laid out their requirements for new contracts, including Service Employees International Union Local 99 and United Teachers Los Angeles. These demands center on increasing the presence of support staff in schools, decreasing class sizes, and improving compensation. The unions also promote protections for LGBTQ+ and immigrant students, as well as mental health services.
Stronger protections for LGBTQ+ and immigrant students are another crucial component of the Union’s proposals. Union leaders argue that all children regardless of their Identity or background should feel safe and secure in schools.
“If they don’t feel that support and have those things in place, it can be isolating, so I think that they’re a very important group that we need to be aware of and protect here at our school,”says Mrs. Jackson, MATH Teacher and UTLA Member.
Mrs. Jackson, who’s now going into her 15th year at our school, deals with new personalities each year. As a teacher, she believes that school can be a safe haven for students that might not have the needed resources at home.
“I know I’ve had many LGBTQ+ students in the past and school has become a safe space for them.”
This new contract also entails providing more resources for immigrant families dealing with ambiguous legal status and making sure those students have access to affirming policies, counselors, and programs that protect them from discrimination.
Many teachers feel these changes are necessary for these students to be safer and to receive a better education.
“They need to know their rights and resources available for them. They need support and our commitment to keep them safe at school and deliver quality education,”said Mrs. Ramirez-Gomez, Spanish teacher.
These safeguards can provide families with comfort knowing that their kids will not only get an education, but will also be raised in a setting that values and upholds their individuality.
“When I send my kid to school, I don’t just send them to learn how to write and do math, I send them to a place that I know they’ll feel safe and comfortable in,” mentioned Vicenta Rangel, mother of a senior at HPHS.
Enhancing these protections might promote greater inclusivity throughout LAUSD assisting students in concentrating on their studies rather than the difficulties of feeling excluded.
Negotiations are ongoing, and a strike is still a possibility. In order to reach a consensus without interfering with students’ education, unions have stated that they are prepared to act collectively if needed. Los Angeles education will be greatly impacted by the outcome of these talks, which will affect not only the working conditions of district staff but also the standard of instruction and student support services
“LAUSD has over $5 billion in reserves. It represents 33% of the operating budget, when the law requires only a 1% reserve. No other school district in the country is holding onto anywhere near that much. But the district is claiming they can’t afford to meet our demands on class sizes, mental health support services for students, continuing coverage for healthcare, or replacing our outmoded salary table with one that is both equitable and competitive,”said Mr. Stevens, English and German teacher.
Mr. Stevens, is the current UTLA Chapter Chair at HP, a role that must be confirmed through election every year. In addition, Ms. Parker, Ms. Aldave, and Ms. Segura serve as Vice Chairs. The next demonstration for UTLA will be on November 6th.
“Just like in 2018, the district thinks we aren’t willing to fight for what we want. We need to show them that we are and that we’ll strike again if we have to. That’s why it’s crucial for UTLA members to show solidarity by wearing red on Tuesdays and showing up to the rallies on November 6.”
Written by Azul Zatarain, staff writer