LAUSD Unions Threaten Strike as Negotiations Stretch Past Midnight

Coordinated action by multiple unions could significantly disrupt schools if a deal isn't reached.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, out-of-focus scene of students and teachers moving through a school hallway, with soft, warm pools of light and color creating a dreamlike, atmospheric quality that captures the uncertainty and tension surrounding the ongoing labor negotiations.As LAUSD unions negotiate past midnight, the potential for a disruptive strike looms over the education and routines of thousands of students and families.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is facing the possibility of a major strike as negotiations between the district and its unions, including the Service Employees International Union Local 99, the teachers union, and the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles, continue past midnight. This echoes a similar labor dispute from March 2023, when a three-day strike shut down schools.

Why it matters

A unified strike by multiple LAUSD unions would significantly impact the district's ability to keep schools open, potentially disrupting the education and routines of thousands of students and families. The coordinated action strengthens the unions' bargaining position and makes it more difficult for the district to maintain operations even with contingency plans.

The details

In the previous 2023 strike, Local 99 secured salary increases of more than 30% for some workers, with others receiving increases of less than 30%, depending on factors like length of service and current salary. The current negotiations mirror the 2023 dynamic, with the same unions again working in concert, this time joined by the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles, representing principals and assistant principals.

  • In March 2023, a three-day strike shut down LAUSD schools.
  • The current negotiations have stretched past midnight on April 14, 2026.

The players

Local 99 of the Service Employees International Union

A union representing LAUSD workers, including bus drivers, custodians, special education assistants, cafeteria workers, and gardeners.

LAUSD teachers union

The teachers' union that supported the 2023 strike and is involved in the current negotiations.

Associated Administrators of Los Angeles

A union representing LAUSD principals and assistant principals, joining the current negotiations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The agreement 'will set new standards, not just for Los Angeles, but the entire state.'”

— Max Arias, Executive director of Local 99

What’s next

If a deal isn't reached, a strike could again close schools to students, including Early Education centers. District officials have indicated they will notify families by 6:00 AM on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, if schools will be open.

The takeaway

The coordinated action of multiple LAUSD unions significantly increases the potential impact of a strike, strengthening the unions' bargaining position and making it more difficult for the district to maintain operations. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the education and routines of thousands of students and families in Los Angeles.