In a significant development for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), agreements have been reached with two unions, United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) and the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA), as of April 14, 2026. However, the Service Employees International Union Local 99, which represents over 30,000 workers including cafeteria staff and bus drivers, remains in negotiations, raising concerns about a potential strike that could impact nearly 400,000 students.
The new agreement with UTLA includes an impressive 11.65% salary increase, bringing the starting salary for teachers to $77,000. Julie Van Winkle, a representative from UTLA, emphasized, “The district CAN afford these changes,” highlighting the financial capacity of LAUSD amidst ongoing budget discussions.
Despite these agreements, SEIU Local 99 has voiced concerns about the adequacy of LAUSD’s offers. A spokesperson stated, “LAUSD’s offer is still NOT ENOUGH. Local 99 members are struggling to make ends meet,” indicating the urgency of their negotiations.
LAUSD has been navigating these discussions since the unions’ contracts expired in June 2025, with the district projecting a $191 million deficit for the 2027-28 school year. This financial backdrop adds complexity to the negotiations, as unions argue for better compensation and working conditions.
As the clock ticks, the agreements reached with UTLA and AALA must still be ratified by their members and the district board to take effect. Observers are keenly watching the situation unfold, particularly regarding SEIU Local 99’s negotiations.
Details remain unconfirmed about the exact terms of the contracts and whether SEIU Local 99 will reach an agreement before the looming strike deadline. The outcome of these negotiations will be crucial for the future of LAUSD’s workforce and the students they serve.
