LAUSD and Teachers Union Bargain Ahead of Potential Strike

Negotiations continue as April 14 strike deadline looms for Los Angeles public schools.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration of a school supply item, such as a pencil or ruler, repeated in a grid pattern with vibrant, neon-like colors, conceptually representing the tension and uncertainty surrounding the LAUSD labor negotiations.As tensions escalate between LAUSD and its teachers union, the potential for a disruptive strike looms over the district's classrooms.Los Angeles Today

Negotiators for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) met on Wednesday for a key bargaining session that could determine whether a planned April 14 strike moves forward. The talks were still ongoing as of Wednesday evening, with an update expected on Thursday. The potential strike would mark the first for LAUSD teachers since 2019.

Why it matters

A strike by UTLA, which represents around 37,000 teachers, would disrupt classrooms across the sprawling LAUSD district and impact hundreds of thousands of students. The negotiations cover key issues like wages, staffing, and working conditions, with both sides remaining divided on these priorities.

The details

Ahead of the session, UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz urged Acting Superintendent Andres Chait to reach an agreement and avoid classroom disruptions, placing responsibility on the district's current leadership. LAUSD officials said they are committed to reaching a deal, while also preparing contingency plans in the event of a strike. The district has reached agreements with five of its eight labor partners, but remains divided with UTLA and SEIU Local 99, the union representing 30,000 school support staff.

  • The bargaining session took place on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • The potential strike is scheduled for April 14, 2026.

The players

United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA)

The labor union representing around 37,000 teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)

The public school district serving the city of Los Angeles and surrounding communities.

Andres Chait

The acting superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Cecily Myart-Cruz

The president of United Teachers Los Angeles.

SEIU Local 99

The union representing approximately 30,000 school support staff in the Los Angeles Unified School District, including bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers, and special education assistants.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“LAUSD has been in chaos for months, but right now the board has an opportunity to quiet the noise and present a clear path forward. Acting Superintendent Chait has both the authority and the responsibility to bring much-needed stability to our schools by supporting educators, prioritizing students and families, and settling a fair contract now.”

— Cecily Myart-Cruz, President, United Teachers Los Angeles

“Avoiding a strike will require all parties to continue engaging in good-faith negotiations and working toward a solution that is fair and sustainable.”

— LAUSD Spokesperson

“We are open to dialogue with the district and hope that LAUSD will come to the table with an offer that will lift essential school workers out of poverty and ensure that students have the full staffing and services they need.”

— Blanca Gallegos, Spokesperson, SEIU Local 99

What’s next

SEIU Local 99 is scheduled to meet with the district for a mediation session on Thursday, April 10, 2026, as the two sides continue to negotiate over wages and working conditions for school support staff.

The takeaway

The high-stakes negotiations between LAUSD and its labor unions highlight the ongoing challenges facing public education in Los Angeles, as the district seeks to balance its budget while also addressing the priorities of teachers, support staff, and the broader school community.