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

Unions demand better pay and benefits from LAUSD as district claims financial crisis

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:52am

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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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The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between LAUSD and its education workforce, with both sides accusing the other of misleading the public and prioritizing their own interests over those of students. The outcome of this strike could have far-reaching implications for the future of public education in Los Angeles.