No negotiations made with LAUSD; teachers may strike after winter break

_{By Antonio V. and David S.}

For the past year, LAUSD and UTLA were proposing terms regarding education and educators’ salaries. No negotiations were able to be made, and teachers are one step closer to going on strike.

In January 12 of 2017, UTLA proposed, to LAUSD, a 7% salary raise, smaller classroom sizes, and academic freedom. LAUSD responds to the proposals by denying the raise and classroom size reduction, and accepts only a few academic freedom proposals. Upon many proposals and counter-proposals, UTLA and LAUSD have reached a deadlock, a situation where no progress has been made. A mediator was assigned to assist a compromise between the two sides, but has failed.

“Teachers are very important to education, and it’s very important to listen to their wants;  their demands, to build a capacity,” says Mr. Legaspi. He also states, “The strike is for students, the impact is for their achievement.”

Geometry teacher , Ms.Greene, explains, “We’re negotiating for better work conditions and better wages. After going through the process of negotiating with LAUSD, it’s finally reached the point to where they’re not offering us a contract that’s worthy of us ratifying or voting for.” 

Before teachers are able to go on strike, there is a legally required process that must be followed. Sunshining is the first stage of this process. This is where the initial proposals are presented to LAUSD. Negotiations, also the name of the second stage, are attempted by both sides. When no negotiations are established, a deadlock is declared, and the stage of Impasse is reached. Mediation then takes place, in which a mediator is assigned to the case. When no compromises are established, the mediator will send both parties to fact-finding. Here, a panel conducts a trial-like hearing in which both sides present information. There are two possible outcomes of fact-finding. The first of which allows LAUSD to impose their final terms that they’ve proposed. The other allows the UTLA strike to finally take place. 

“It’s like the iPhone; there’s updates. It’s 2018, we have to go back and revise the terms,” explains Mr. Legaspi. Ms.Greene, “We’ve rejected their last offer and now were in a final phase before we prepare to strike. There’s a personel looking at both ends and seeing if the facts we’re putting forth are valid facts or not, and why we should get what we want, and likewise why the district says they can’t give us what we want.” 

Due to fact finding currently taking place, we are not sure exactly what will happen next, we are only aware of what the possible outcomes will be. We are hoping that terms will be decided for UTLA’s demands to be met. If there is still no consensus, UTLA’s best bet is for the  strike to be verified by the state.

CATS junior ELizabeth S. states, “I think it’s good that they’re demanding better pay and smaller classes because they do go through a lot, and they do have struggles and they don’t always have the nest time with students. Smaller classes would provide them to have more time teaching their students. The more students there are in classes, the more disruptive they tend to be”

In California, a comfortable life typically requires a salary of $74,371, whereas the average salary for an LAUSD teacher is $58,906.

The current superintendent, Austin Beutner, has no experience leading a school, let alone a school district. This was a controversial selection, as many believe that it is better to have someone with experience to run LAUSD. 

As far as the students go, we will be attending school as usual. “The students will be reporting to school like they’re supposed to. As far as what they will be doing once they’re on campus, that’s up to LAUSD and administration to figure out.”