The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is on the brink of a significant strike in 2026, with negotiations ongoing as the deadline approaches. If an agreement is not reached with the Service Employees International Union Local 99, which represents over 30,000 cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and special education assistants, nearly 400,000 students could be affected.
Recently, LAUSD successfully reached agreements with two other unions: the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) and the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA). The UTLA agreement includes an 11.65% salary increase, raising the beginning teacher’s salary to $77,000. Julie Van Winkle, a representative from UTLA, stated, “The district CAN afford these changes,” emphasizing the need for fair compensation.
However, the situation remains tense as SEIU Local 99 continues to negotiate. Union representatives have expressed dissatisfaction with the current offers, stating, “LAUSD’s offer is still NOT ENOUGH. Local 99 members are struggling to make ends meet.” This sentiment echoes the ongoing struggle for better wages and working conditions among educational staff.
The backdrop to these negotiations includes a projected $191 million deficit for the 2027-28 school year, raising concerns about the district’s financial stability. Despite this, unions have pointed out that LAUSD has $5 billion in reserves, which they argue should be utilized to support educators and staff.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact terms of the contracts, as they still require ratification by each union’s members and the district board. The unions’ contracts expired in June 2025, leading to months of negotiations that have now reached a critical juncture.
As the situation develops, observers are keenly watching to see if SEIU Local 99 can finalize an agreement before the looming strike deadline. The outcome will not only impact the daily lives of students but also the broader educational landscape in Los Angeles.