What Local 99 members are saying about our new contract with LAUSD

I think our raises are a great start. I know our Bargaining Team fought hard for it. We are in a good position with our new contract. We need to keep fighting and be united. —Libby Santos Amos
Special Education Assistant, Sun Valley High School

A $15/hour increase will mean I don’t have to work all the time to make ends meet. In addition to my job at LAUSD, I work as a ballroom supervisor on the weekends. I take on other jobs like catering, washing carpets, and selling trinkets just to put food on the table. $15 will mean more time with my family. It means I can take my son to the park on weekends. —Raul Meza
School Facilities Attendant, Van Nuys High School

My parents were immigrants who relied on my teachers for advice on all kinds of things. Ever since I was a small child I’ve dreamt of becoming a teacher—someone who was a resource for entire families. The wage increase in our new contract is definitely a step in the right direction to help me get my credential and start my dream career. I already have my B.A. from U.C. Santa Cruz, but I can’t finish my credential until I pay off my student debt. Earning $15 an hour will help me do that. —Tomás Lagos
Teacher’s Assistant, Sylvan Park Elementary School

I do this work because I love it so much that it almost doesn’t feel like a job. But it’s impossible to finish my college education on my current salary. That’s why I have to work a second job. Even working almost 60 hours per week—plus going to school—I’m living paycheck-to-paycheck. And I barely have time to sleep or eat. I think $15 an hour is a good minimum wage. —Oscar Cano
Teacher’s Assistant, Noble Elementary School

I already earn more than $15 an hour. I see this establishing an improved salary schedule for years to come that will really help all the employees, families and students of LAUSD. —Edna Logan
Custodian, Esteban Torres High School

This contract will help me provide a better quality of life for my family. Especially my daughters and I will be able to pay my bills and rent, as well as bringing more food to our table.Thank you SEIU local 99. —Cesilia Hernandez
Teacher’s Assistant, Fremont High School

Being a single parent of three children I wouldn’t have to work more than two jobs to make ends meet. —Maria Sanchez
Teacher’s Assistant, Escutia Primary Center

I voted for this contract because I believe it’s needed for now and what’s to come. —Lee Scott
Light Bus Driver, Gardena Yard

Help provide for my daughter and save for her future college. —Lynetta Luckett
Food Service Worker, Caroldale Learning Community

This will be better for my family and me. —Sandra Ortiz
Food Service Worker, Bell High School

I voted yes because money is not enough, everything is getting expensive. —Noemi Lopez
Food Service Worker, Bell High School

I voted yes to this contract because it is a good change for all employees. —Victor Irigoyen
Teacher’s Assistant, Maywood Academy High School

This contract is a good start to go the right direction. This will help me pay my bills. —Yesenia Alvarez
Special Education Assistant, Los Angeles High School

Voted YES for a better future for my granddaughters! —Delvashia Flanagan
School Facilities Attendant, Irving Middle School

As of 7/2/2014 I voted with SEIU. I didn’t realize how beneficial this was for me. I will continue to represent as a member for the long run. Thanks SEIU. —Faith Lymon
Playground Worker, Youth Services Valley Field

Este contrato es bueno para nuestro gente y la comunidad y es peramos que nos apoyen para poder llevar a cabo nuestros propsito. —Willian Tejada
School Supervision Aide, Elizabeth Learning Center

This will not only help me, but my family as well. —Marilyn Pimpton
Special Education Assistant, Markham Middle School

I’m voting YES. It’s good for my future. —Ismael Solis
Building and Grounds Worker, Dymally High School

I voted YES! It’s good for my family and our future! —Ana Posada
Special Education Trainee, South Gate Middle School

I voted YES on this contract to open the door to a better future. —Claudia Jimenez
Teacher’s Assistant, Liberty Elementary School

Started from the bottom now I’m HERE!!! Go Local 99! Thank you for your effort to improve our lives + family. —Tony Fuller
Campus Aide, Markham Middle School

Being a new mom, this passing of the contract will help me make ends meet for me and my 1-month-old son. I’d be able to give him a happy life with comfortable pay rather than living paycheck to paycheck. —Selene Herrera
Food Service Worker

I voted yes to pay my summer bills! Yes! —Maria Torres
Special Education Assistant, South Gate Middle School

I’m voting yes for a better future for my family. —Penny Johnson
Building and Grounds Worker, Broad Avenue Elementary School

Getting a pay increase will help with my household income. Thanks to Local 99 I’m happy for all employees of LAUSD. —Rhonda Cooper
Classroom Aide, Cabrillo Early Education Center

I hope this contract passes because it will help me to help my family in my country. —Norma Herrera
Food Service Worker, Wilmington Middle School

I voted for this contract. It will help me a lot for me and my family and my co-workers. —Norma Leyva
Food Production Worker, Newman Nutrition Center

I voted to pay student loans! —Liliana Tostado
Teacher’s Assistant, Rowan Avenue Elementary School