To have a sustainable school system, LAUSD must increase its revenue to fund schools. In the same week that the School Board voted unanimously to approve the tax measure, UTLA’s Board of Directors, the House of Reps., and chapter chairs agreed to endorse a parcel tax measure that will go to LA voters on June 4.
Lisa Napoleon Culpepper, an English Teacher from Bell HS, writes about her experience on the picket line during the UTLA teachers' strike in January 2019. "When more than 30,000 teachers picket in the rain for days, they are telling the world that something is terribly wrong with the educational system," says Culpepper.
Our strike was a watershed moment for public education: In six days, we galvanized the city, dominated national media coverage, won a ground-breaking contract, and learned that in the battle to reinvest in our schools, the public stands with us. With 34,000 members out, it was one of the biggest strikes in California history.
Our strike won an overwhelming victory on the issues. We launched the teacher strike movement in California and accelerated the teacher strike movement nationally. We made history. But what remains etched in our brains and hearts most indelibly is the togetherness, love, pride, and creative spark we felt on the picket lines and in the rallies.
UTLA endorsed and the right choice for school board member, District 5. During our six-day strike, Jackie Goldberg was a constant presence, speaking at rallies, talking with teachers, huddled under umbrellas in the rain and giving fire-up talks to picketers. She was on the line because she knows our fight was not just for a fair contract, but to push back against the privatizers.
Michelle King’s passing is a terrible loss — for her family, for her community, and for the Los Angeles Unified School District. King made education her life’s work, and she was devoted to upholding a public school system that serves all students.
Today the LAUSD School Board approved unanimously a historic UTLA contract that prioritizes what students need in their schools. This is a reaffirmation of the effectiveness of our 6-day strike and the overwhelming parent and public support for LA educators.
Teachers at three south Los Angeles charter schools operated by The Accelerated Schools voted today to approve a new labor agreement and to formally call for an end to their historic eight-day strike. With 78 educators casting ballots, 77 votes were yes (98.7%).
Members pass TA agreement by 81%. A super-majority of UTLA members have approved the tentative agreement reached with UTLA and LAUSD. Our strike and our unity on the picket lines have resulted in tremendous contract and policy victories. The strike made us stronger as a union for future struggles.
After six days on strike along with parents, students and community members across Los Angeles, we have reached a historic agreement that addresses major issues impacting our schools, students and professions. Links to the TA and summary can be found here.
