LAUSD and Teachers' Union Reach Tentative Agreement to Avert Strike

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has reached a tentative two-year agreement with the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) union to avert a planned strike. The agreement includes an 11.65% increase in salary scales, setting starting pay for new teachers at $77,000 annually. Teachers with 15 to 30 years of experience could see salary increases of up to $11,000. The deal also includes additional benefits such as four weeks of unpaid parental leave, enhanced healthcare for substitute teachers, and stipends for special education classes that exceed class size requirements. This agreement follows months of negotiations since the expiration of the previous contract in June 2025.

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Despite the agreement, LAUSD faces significant financial challenges, including projected budget deficits exceeding $1 billion in the coming years. The district argues that meeting UTLA's initial demands for a 17% pay raise, class-size reductions, and additional staffing could exacerbate its financial instability. LAUSD's acting superintendent, Andrés E. Chait, emphasized the district's commitment to providing significant raises while maintaining long-term financial stability. The district's unrestricted reserves are projected to decline from $1.6 billion in 2026 to just $10 million by 2028, raising concerns about future layoffs and educational quality.

LAUSD Faces Tough Choice on Teacher Union Demands

Critics of the agreement, including some union members, argue that the proposed salary increases do not adequately address the rising cost of living in Los Angeles. Cecily Myart-Cruz, president of UTLA, stated, “We are fighting for economic security for educators and more resources for our schools and communities.” The union's demands also include hiring additional support staff, which they argue is essential for improving educational outcomes.

LAUSD Faces Tough Choice on Teacher Union Demands

LAUSD has expressed its commitment to negotiating in good faith and has made several proposals aimed at balancing employee compensation with fiscal responsibility. The district's statement highlighted that it has reached agreements with five of its eight labor partners and remains open to discussions with UTLA. The district has also offered to participate in an independent financial review to provide transparency regarding its fiscal situation, a proposal that UTLA has declined.

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As the tentative agreement awaits ratification by both UTLA members and the LAUSD board, the possibility of a strike has not been entirely ruled out. If the agreement is not finalized, LAUSD is preparing contingency plans to minimize disruptions to student learning, including providing instructional materials and maintaining food distribution sites. The district is also coordinating with community partners to ensure access to mental health resources and support services for families during this period of uncertainty.

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• “The truth has always been clear — the district CAN afford these changes,” — Julie Van Winkle, Vice President, UTLA

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• “We certainly recognize that the cost of living in Los Angeles continues to rise, and in response, we have committed to significant raises for our employees, among the highest offers in the state.” — Andrés E. Chait, Acting LAUSD Superintendent

LAUSD Faces Tough Choice on Teacher Union Demands

• “Our proposals to UTLA alone have an ongoing cost of $480M and reflect significant increases over prior proposals, demonstrating the district's good faith efforts toward reaching agreements,” — LAUSD Statement

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