LA County Labor Federation Backs Potential LAUSD Teacher Strike

Union leaders set April 14 as potential walkout date amid contract dispute with school district

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:57pm

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The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor has announced its support for United Teachers Los Angeles and SEIU Local 99 unions, who are threatening to strike against the Los Angeles Unified School District if their contract demands are not met. Union leaders have set April 14 as a potential strike date as negotiations continue.

Why it matters

A teacher strike in the nation's second-largest school district would disrupt education for hundreds of thousands of students and families. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over teacher pay, classroom resources, and the role of private contracts in public education.

The details

The unions are demanding wage increases of around 17% over two years, smaller class sizes, expanded student services, and protections against layoffs. LAUSD has offered an 8% raise and a one-time 3% bonus over two years, which the unions have rejected as insufficient. The labor federation says the district has the funds but is prioritizing 'nonessentials' over worker pay and classroom needs.

  • The unions have set April 14 as a potential strike date.
  • LAUSD and union leaders met with a state mediator last month to negotiate a contract.

The players

Los Angeles County Federation of Labor

The central labor council representing over 300 unions and 800,000 workers in Los Angeles County.

United Teachers Los Angeles

The union representing approximately 30,000 educators in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

SEIU Local 99

The union representing school support staff such as custodians, cafeteria workers, and teacher aides in LAUSD.

Andres Chait

Interim Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Yvonne Wheeler

President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.

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What they’re saying

“This morning we stand in strong and unwavering solidarity with educators and school workers who show up every single day for our students, for our families and for the future of public education in Los Angeles.”

— Yvonne Wheeler, President, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor

“The fight is not just about wages and benefits. It's about dignity. It's about ensuring every classroom has the support it needs. It's about making sure every student has a real opportunity to succeed, and it's about treating every worker with fairness and respect.”

— Yvonne Wheeler, President, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor

“Our fight is a fight for working people to be able to continue to afford to live in LA.”

— Julie Van Winkle, Vice President, United Teachers Los Angeles

What’s next

The Los Angeles Unified School District and union leaders will continue contract negotiations, with a potential strike date set for April 14 if an agreement is not reached.

The takeaway

This labor dispute highlights the ongoing challenges facing public education in Los Angeles, with teachers and staff demanding better pay and working conditions while the district cites external pressures like declining enrollment and funding uncertainty. A strike could have major impacts on students and families, underscoring the need for both sides to find a compromise.