Los Angeles, CA – Cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodians, special education assistants and other school workers in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) will be extending a vote to authorize a strike. Voting began on March 12 and is extended through April 13, 2018.
“Over the past two weeks, thousands of union members have voted at schools and worksites throughout the school district. At the same time, we’ve also heard from many members who are eager to cast their vote and are requesting an extension to ensure they can participate. We recognize that striking is an important decision and our bargaining team has decided to extend the voting period so that every member has the opportunity to make their voice heard,” said Conrado Guerrero, President of SEIU Local 99.
Throughout the voting process, SEIU Local 99 will continue to negotiate with the school district. “The decision to strike will ultimately be made by the members of our union,” said Guerrero. “However, our goal is not to strike. We are committed to continue to negotiate in good faith to reach a fair agreement.”
Nearly 30,000 school workers who perform essential student services at LAUSD have been in contract negotiations with the school district since March 2017. Despite nearly a year of bargaining, no significant movement has been made on key issues, including wages and staffing shortages; leading union members to take a vote on authorizing a strike.
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SEIU Local 99 is a union of 35,000 education workers in K-12 schools, early education centers and homes, administrative offices, and community colleges throughout Southern California, including 30,000 cafeteria workers, special education assistants, custodians, bus drivers and others providing essential student services at LAUSD schools. Nearly 50% of SEIU Local 99 members are also parents or guardians of school-aged children. 70% of SEIU 99 members are graduates of LAUSD schools and a great majority are members of the predominantly Black and Latino communities they serve.
