Skip to Content
News

L.A. Teachers Strike Vote Passes — With 98 Percent Support

[dropcap size=big]L[/dropcap]os Angeles teachers now have the power to strike in their negotiations with the district over higher wages and smaller classroom sizes. In a Facebook Live press conference, United Teachers Los Angeles announced Friday the results of their week-long vote with an overwhelming 98 percent support for the strike.

More than 81 percent of UTLA's 35,000 members participated in the strike vote, according to Arlene Inouye, UTLA secretary. That's roughly 28,000 teachers across the district including a small charter school contingent. Ninety-eight percent of that represents nearly 27,700 "yes" votes.

"The energy and participation across the city has been electrifying," Inouye said. "The huge turnout show that educators in L.A. know what's on the line and are ready to take action."

The union must await the end of mediation before actually going on strike. But the "yes" vote gives it a powerful card in the negotiation. Sources in the union have consistently told L.A. Taco that a strike is likely to start as early as Oct. 3. The strike would be the first L.A. teachers strike in 30 years.

Negotiations this week took an ugly turn with both the union and the district filed complaints with California’s Public Employment Relations Board accusing one another of bad-faith negotiation tactics. Mayor Eric Garcetti even offered to step in and mediate at some point. The PER Board has set mediation for Sept. 27.

In a statement released Friday, the district said students would "bear the brunt" of the strike.  "We hope our shared responsibility to put students first will prevent a strike and lead to a common sense resolution that recognizes the hard work of our employees while addressing the safety and instructional needs of students and the financial solvency of L.A. Unified," the statement said.

In an robocall Friday night, obtained by L.A. Taco, Los Angeles Schools Superintendent Austin Beutner tells parents to visit LAUSD's "Just the Facts" website set up to counter UTLA's arguments. Then he tells them he wants to "keep labor discussions out of our schools so the focus can remain on our students." Listen to the call below.

RELATED: LAUSD and Union Exchange Accusations

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Six Musical Legends You Forgot Are From South L.A.

While the world may be familiar with the South Los Angeles roots of Dr. Dre, Serena Williams, Kendrick, and Flo-Jo, numerous musical legends people forget come from the city's heart. That’s why L.A. TACO is here to remind you of some musical legends from South L.A. 

May 16, 2025

‘Deportation Set Me Free:’ Deported Influencer Is Building Community and Thriving In Mexico

"I view the U.S. as a golden cage with many of our immigrant brothers and sisters trapped inside a system out of fear of the unknown in their home countries," says Anni Garcia, an influencer who has been documenting herself thriving in Jalisco.  

May 16, 2025

This SELA Taquería Cooks Its Tacos Straight In The Fire…

This weekend, we're also pointing you, loyal L.A. TACO members, to pho brisket tacos, a secret Beirut sandwich spot, and a new noodle shop in Venice from a winner of The Great Food Truck Race.

May 16, 2025

The People of Los Angeles Can Finally Go Back to Therapy

If you are one of the 4.9 million Kaiser Permanente members in Southern California who have been unable to see your regular therapist since mental health workers began striking in October 2024, the good news is that the strike is finally over.

May 15, 2025

A Running List of Mom N’ Pop Businesses In Danger Of Closing That Need Community Support Right Now

It feels like almost every other month, we hear about a business closing its doors or attempting to stay open. To help these businesses stay open rather than report on them once they’ve closed, we created this ongoing list of restaurants and businesses in Los Angeles that need the most support. Did we miss any? Let us know which ones also need love in the comments.

May 15, 2025
See all posts