L.A. Schools Face May 30 Walkout as Teachers Vote 86.5% for Strike
Union teachers, setting the stage for the first public schools strike in Los Angeles since 1970, voted overwhelmingly to walk out May 30 unless a contract impasse with the district is resolved, union leaders said today.
Wayne Johnson, president of United Teachers-Los Angeles, announced at a news conference 86.5% of the 20,137 union members who cast ballots last week voted to strike.
“This is not saber-rattling,” Johnson said. “Unless there’s a settlement by May 29, there will be a strike in the City of Los Angeles.”
The 22,000-member union has been without a contract since June and Johnson said 15 months of fruitless negotiations have increased the teachers’ “anger.”
The district’s last offer, rejected by teachers last month, calls for a 20% pay hike over three years. The union is seeking a 21% increase over two years and a greater voice in how schools are administered.
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