LAUSD teachers: We will strike Monday
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- United Teachers Los Angeles confirmed Sunday that its 30,000 members will go on strike Monday after failing to reach a new contract deal with the Los Angeles Unified School District administration.
"We have not received a proposal over the weekend and we will be striking tomorrow," said Arlene Inouye, the teachers union's bargaining chair in a Sunday afternoon press conference.
The teachers union has a range of issues that have not been resolved with the district that include salaries, reduced class sizes and hiring more nurses.
The strike comes after the union rejected the Los Angeles Unified School District's latest deal on contracts.
Years of frustration over class sizes, salaries and shortages of school counselors and nurses have led up to this point.
RELATED: Guide for LAUSD parents impacted by strike
LAUSD representatives and the union met several times in an effort to avert the strike, but each negotiation fell flat. The district said it simply cannot afford the union's demands, but has asked Gov. Gavin Newsom for assistance.
On Friday, Newsom proposed increased funding for education, which the district said it was counting on.
Both sides went to court over when teachers could strike, and a judge ruled it could start Monday.
The district says schools will remain open during the strike: "Los Angeles Unified schools will be open providing every student with a safe and welcoming learning environment. Elementary, middle and high schools will be open, instruction will continue, and meals will be served tomorrow and throughout the UTLA strike. Early education centers will only be open to special-needs students and state preschool sites will be closed."
A Family Hotline has also been established for anyone with questions about the schools during the strike: (213)443-1300.
"Los Angeles Unified remains committed to contract negotiations and will continue to work around the clock to find solutions to end the strike which will hurt students, families and communities most in need throughout Los Angeles," a district statement said.
