[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."