LA Teachers Strike: 68,000 Education Workers in 3 Unions Set to Walk

Unions representing teachers, support staff, and administrators demand better pay and benefits from LAUSD

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:52am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic education object such as a school bus or chalkboard repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the high-stakes battle over pay and benefits in the Los Angeles teachers' strike.As tensions rise between LAUSD and its education workforce, a bold pop art interpretation captures the high-stakes battle over pay, benefits, and the future of public schools in Los Angeles.Los Angeles Today

Three unions representing 68,000 education workers are set to strike against the Los Angeles Unified School District beginning Tuesday, April 14. United Teachers Los Angeles, Service Employees International Union Local 99, and Associated Administrators of Los Angeles have been unable to reach contract agreements with LAUSD, which claims it is in a financial crisis.

Why it matters

This strike represents a major showdown between LAUSD and its education workforce, with the district accusing teachers of taking money away from students while the unions argue LAUSD is exaggerating its financial challenges. The outcome could have significant implications for public education in Los Angeles.

The details

LAUSD claims it doesn't have the money to meet the unions' demands, but the unions believe the district is vastly overstating its financial troubles. LAUSD started this school year with a $5.03 billion reserve, its highest ever, and often holds double or triple the reserve levels of other major California districts. However, LAUSD does face real challenges like declining enrollment and changing demographics. The unions accuse LAUSD of misleading the public to avoid giving educators a fair contract.

  • The three unions plan to strike together starting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
  • UTLA has been working without a contract for nine months.
  • The unions have been negotiating with LAUSD for over a year.

The players

United Teachers Los Angeles

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

Service Employees International Union Local 99

The union representing LAUSD bus drivers, special education assistants, custodians, and cafeteria workers.

Associated Administrators of Los Angeles

The union representing LAUSD principals and assistant principals.

Alberto Carvalho

The former LAUSD superintendent who was placed on administrative leave amid a federal investigation.

Andres Chait

The current acting LAUSD superintendent.

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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.