LAUSD Averts Strike, Schools Open Tuesday

Tentative agreements reached with all three unions representing teachers, administrators, and support staff

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:48am

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A dynamic, abstract painting of a school bus in motion, with the vehicle's shape repeated in overlapping, fractured geometric patterns in bright, vibrant colors, conveying a sense of energy and movement.The coordinated union action and last-minute contract agreements allowed schools to reopen without disruption to students and families.Los Angeles Today

A strike that would have shut down schools for nearly 400,000 students in the Los Angeles Unified School District was averted early Tuesday after the district reached tentative agreements with the unions representing workers including custodians, bus drivers, and cafeteria staff. Schools were open as usual, to the relief of many families who had scrambled to make childcare arrangements.

Why it matters

The coordinated bargaining effort and near-simultaneous agreements suggest a significant shift in power dynamics between the unions and the school district. The averted strike demonstrates the potential impact of collective action and the importance of addressing the economic concerns of all school employees.

The details

The tentative agreement with SEIU Local 99, which represents approximately 30,000 workers, includes a 24% wage increase over three years, stronger protections against subcontracting, increased staffing, and the rescinding of layoffs for IT workers. The union represents the lowest-paid employees in the school system, with an average annual salary of about $35,000. Many members reportedly hold second jobs to make ends meet.

  • The tentative agreement was announced at 2 a.m. on Tuesday, just hours before the school day began.
  • The three unions - representing teachers, administrators, and support staff - had agreed to walk out together if any one of them failed to reach a deal, marking the first such coordinated action in L.A. Unified history.

The players

LAUSD

The Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation's second-largest school district.

SEIU Local 99

The union representing approximately 30,000 LAUSD workers including special education aides, gardeners, and tech support staff.

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who intervened in the negotiations to avoid a function stoppage.

United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA)

The union representing LAUSD teachers.

Associated Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA)

The union representing LAUSD administrators.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a long night and it's been a long few weeks of negotiations, but our schools are open, our kids are in class, and school workers are on the job caring for and shaping the minds of our future.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles

“No one wants to go on strike. We don't want to stop schools. We just want to be paid what we're worth. Better paid employees are happier employees, and that's better for students, too.”

— Rachel Friedman, Parent and special education assistant

What’s next

The tentative agreements with UTLA, AALA, and SEIU Local 99 still require ratification by union members and the LAUSD Board of Education.

The takeaway

This averted strike highlights the power of collective bargaining and the importance of addressing the economic needs of all school employees, from teachers to support staff. As LAUSD moves forward, it will need to focus on improving communication with families and finding ways to retain and support its diverse workforce.