UTLA teachers protest work conditions outside of Diego Rivera

By Julian E.

Teachers part of the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) union protested outside of the Diego Rivera Complex in October over their working conditions. The protest happened before the start of school.

According to Ms. Liz Martinez, English and Journalism teacher, more than 30 teachers from all the four schools in the Diego Rivera Complex attended the protest. She explained that the protest was “symbolic” because it was held on the day that was supposed to be the first “Acceleration Day,” which was planned by the Los Angeles Unified District but not approved by the union.

Senior Irvin M. said, “The motive behind the UTLA protest was for teachers to get benefits that they need, as we know that LAUSD is not paying teachers enough.”

Mr. Nicolas Candelas, English teacher, attended the protest. He said the protest was important “because we have a teacher shortage and we have less time to attend to our students’ needs and requirements that they need to progress on within the year.”

He said, “I think overall students know that there is a teacher shortage, and that teachers should be getting paid more.”

Ms. Martinez said, “I’m not too sure if our demands will be met, but there is a sense of hope. However I feel as LAUSD will attempt to push back most of our demands.”