L.A. Teachers' Union Files Lawsuit Against LAUSD

April 18, 2007 - L.A. Teachers' Union Files Lawsuit Against LAUSD
Dramatic Step Taken After Months of Serious Unresolved Problems

In an effort to resolve ongoing payroll problems, United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) has filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District. The lawsuit was filed in Superior court, on behalf of the 48,000 members of the teachers' union.

The lawsuit claims that the District violated both the Education and Labor codes. The lawsuit asks for

1) timely and accurate payment of compensation to all unpaid and/or underpaid employees,
2) interest on all amounts paid late,
3) the establishment of emergency pay centers at each local sub-district office,
4) accurate and comprehensible compensation statements for all employees,
5) sufficient human and capital resources addressed towards the problem,
6) the appointment of a Special Master to determine the exact amounts unpaid and underpaid and to coordinate the timely correction of paycheck errors and
7) to make employees whole for financial losses caused by the District's violations of the law.

"This treatment of teachers is completely unacceptable," said A.J. Duffy, president of United Teachers Los Angeles. "Every day I hear horror stories from teachers who can't pay their bills and don't understand why this is happening. Teachers work hard at schools every day. They shouldn't have to beg for their paychecks."

The initial payroll system rollout in February resulted in thousands of teachers and other district employees being shortchanged and hundreds of others receiving no paychecks at all. Problems have continued for March and April payrolls, with no end in sight. A lack of clear information on pay stubs has resulted in an untenable situation where many teachers are unable to even determine whether they are indeed being paid accurately.

Underpayments have affected teachers' ability to pay for food, shelter, and other necessities, and many district employees are experiencing serious financial difficulties. United Teachers Los Angeles has taken a number of steps to address the LAUSD payroll problem, including hiring extra staff to help handle teacher problems, filing an all member grievance against the District and bringing the issue to the March 29 school board meeting.

Please contact Marla Eby, Director of Communications -213-368-6247.
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