News Update

L.A. Unified teachers approve contract with 21% raise

The teachers union at Los Angeles Unified voted to approve a three-year contract that gives them a 21% raise, reduces class sizes, boosts student mental health offerings and increases services for immigrant students and their families, the Associated Press reported.

“This contract will set the national standard for all other educators to achieve livable wages and solidify an equitable future where students are supported in a healthy learning environment,” Cecily Myart-Cruz , president of United Teachers Los Angeles, said Friday.

The union’s 35,000 teachers, counselors, librarians, nurses and other staff voted 94% to approve the contract, which came after 11 months of negotiations. The contract is retroactive to July 2022 and runs through Jan. 1 2025.

The contract comes on the heels of a strike by the district’s service workers, including bus drivers and cafeteria workers, which teachers supported. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho last month characterized the agreement as “a necessary step not only to make Los Angeles Unified the district of choice for families but also the district of choice for teachers and employees.”