LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles teachers union plans to join an anticipated three-day strike — possibly within two weeks — with thousands of L.A. Unified's non-teaching workers, actions that would likely shut down schools in an explosion of labor discontent.
Local 99 — which represents more than 25,000 cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodians, special education assistants and others — has reached an impasse in its monthslong negotiations with the district over demands for an across-the-board 30% raise, with more for the lowest wage earners. The union is expected to announce the timing of its three-day walkout at a joint rally with the teachers union Wednesday.
UTLA is also in the throes of labor negotiations, seeking a 20% wage increase over two years and a long list of school initiatives. On Friday the union sent a letter to Superintendent Alberto Carvalho stating it was terminating its contract with the district, a legal maneuver that would allow its members to join Local 99's strike, according to information posted online by the teachers union.
