SEIU Local 99, the union representing school workers such as custodians, bus drivers and paraprofessionals, plans to announce a three-day strike taking place as early as next week. The union representing our teachers and other instructional and mental health staff – United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) – has advised its members to support their SEIU colleagues, which means teachers may also not be available to provide classroom instruction.
SEIU is simply refusing to negotiate. With a historic offer on the table that was created in direct response to SEIU’s demands, and with additional resources still to be negotiated, it is deeply surprising and disappointing that there is an unwillingness to do so.
With both time and resources to be allocated in reaching an agreement, we are calling on them to come to the table for staff and students, right now. We need to reach a resolution that honors the work of our dedicated employees, while respecting the rights our children have to a quality education, meals and access to enriching school activities.
I want to personally apologize to our families and our students. You deserve better. Know that we are doing everything possible to avoid a strike.
To the union leadership — SEIU Local 99 Executive Director Max Arias and UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz — we are waiting for you. Our offer to continue to negotiate is still on the table until a resolution is reached. Let’s work together to avoid a strike and keep our students in schools.
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