Teachers Vote to Strike if No Contract by Mid-September

An overwhelming majority of teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District voted to strike in mid-September if their contracts are not settled by that time, according to a union tally completed Wednesday afternoon.

It is the first time United Teachers-Los Angeles leaders have sought a strike authorization before bargaining with school district administrators, although such action is common during negotiations.

At issue is a possible 4% cut in pay signaled in the draft 1995-96 budget, a cut that Supt. Sid Thompson has vowed to restore during August negotiations. But notices were enclosed in last week’s paychecks warning district employees that their August checks could be trimmed by that amount.

UTLA President Helen Bernstein said the notice helped her get strike authorization during school balloting Monday and Tuesday. Of 17,989 UTLA members who voted, 89% said they would walk out if necessary.

“This vote sends a clear message to [district negotiators]: Be honest and forthright in bargaining,” Bernstein said. “The alternative just authorized by this vote is a path we would rather not go down again.”