LAUSD Worker’s Strike Continues into Second Day as Schools Remain Closed Transcript

A fight for better working conditions and better pay. Tens of thousands of Los Angeles public school workers officially went out on strike this morning, forcing classes to be canceled for more than 420,000 students. 30,000 assistant teachers, custodians, and bus drivers were joined in solidarity by more than 30,000 teachers. A massive strike, not seen in years.

This strike, which sent some families scrambling for childcare today, could last through Thursday. The big issue is pay. An astounding 75% of students and families, in the LA Unified School District, live at or below the federal poverty level. For a family of three, that’s just $25,860 a year.

Sandra Mitchell is live at LA Unified School District headquarters in the Westlake district with the latest on negotiations at this hour. Sandra.

Well, it’s official. All LAUSD schools will be closed tomorrow. Both sides are not close to an agreement, and we can tell you tonight, there are no new talks scheduled.

(01:13)
Pouring rain, pounding drums.

The two biggest unions in the district coming together, fighting for what’s right. This is what it’s about.

Thousands of striking workers in the streets.

For us, respect starts with making a livable wage.

And more than 400,000 kids forced out of the classroom.

This is a three-day UPC strike, but it can turn into something bigger.

Day one of the LAUSD strike, and there are no new talks scheduled.

Fighting for fair wages.

30,000 special education teachers, bus drivers, and other members of service employees. International union, Local 99, are demanding a 30% wage increase. The school district’s most recent offer was 23% with a 3% one time cash bonus.

We understand that the average salary for an SEIU employee is about 24, 25,000 a year. That’s quite a bit lower than the poverty line.

The massive strike has left parents scrambling to find childcare. Today, the LAUSD distributed more than 125,000 grab and go meals, and hosted more than 1300 students at supervised sites.

(02:26)
Superintendent Alberto Carvalho urging the union to come back to the bargaining table, saying in a statement, “We remain ready to return to negotiations so we can provide an equitable contract to our hardworking employees and get our students back in classrooms.”

(02:43)
But with both sides at an impasse, it appears LAUSD students will not be back in the classroom until Friday at the earliest.

It would be nice if they try to settle this dispute. I think that SEIU could use their leverage in a better way and not use these kids as political pawns.

Those striking workers will be back on the picket lines probably in the pouring rain very early tomorrow morning. By the way, there is still that resource guide for parents. It’s on our website, ktla.com.

(03:17)
Live in the Westlake district. I’m Sandra Mitchell, KTLA 5 news. Sara, Micah, back to you.

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