Los Angeles teachers announce April 14 strike as thousands rally against austerity and war

The strike would shut down the nation's second-largest school district, affecting hundreds of thousands of students.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:18am

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Thousands of educators and school workers rallied in downtown Los Angeles as United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) and SEIU Local 99 announced a possible April 14 strike against the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The rally brought together UTLA, SEIU Local 99 and the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles, representing more than 68,000 workers. The announcement comes amid a deepening crisis of public education and American capitalism, unfolding alongside the illegal US-Israeli war against Iran.

Why it matters

The war and the assault on education are bound up with the same class policy. While trillions are funneled into militarism, social programs are slashed, including billions from education. At the same time, class struggle is intensifying, with strikes and protests by workers across the country.

The details

The 'Fight for LA' rally highlighted issues such as students living in fear of ICE raids, chronic understaffing, lack of basic supplies, and deteriorating school conditions. Educators also expressed opposition to the war on Iran, noting the human and financial costs. UTLA is demanding a 17 percent raise, higher starting pay, no layoffs, smaller class sizes and expanded staffing, while SEIU Local 99 has kept 30,000 low-paid school workers without a contract for two and a half years.

  • The rally took place on Wednesday, March 20, 2026.
  • UTLA and SEIU Local 99 announced a possible April 14, 2026 strike.

The players

United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA)

The labor union representing teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

SEIU Local 99

The labor union representing over 30,000 school workers in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Associated Administrators of Los Angeles

The labor union representing administrators in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Cecily Myart-Cruz

The president of United Teachers Los Angeles, who is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Max Arias

The leader of SEIU Local 99.

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What they’re saying

“I'm fighting for not just what teachers deserve but also what our students deserve, which is mental health services. … Almost all my students are currently living in fear of their family members being unlawfully detained or deported.”

— Nicholas, high school English teacher in South LA

“We have working conditions where even basic needs are not met, like sanitary conditions … We need appropriate staffing levels…”

— Christian, third grade teacher with 25 years in LAUSD

“Because of the budget cuts, they're trying [to] lay off school bus drivers and other staff. They say it's because the funds are low, but they should be hiring more staff.”

— Edward, paraprofessional and SEIU 99 member

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.