News Statement
CONTACT: Shannon Haber, 213-393-1289
Joint Statement by Superintendent Austin Beutner
and SEIU Local 99 Executive Director Max Arias
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LOS ANGELES (Dec. 8, 2020) – Los Angeles Unified and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 99 have reached an agreement on how to reopen schools as soon as possible, in the safest way possible. While the overall level of COVID-19 at this time is dangerously above the state guidelines for the possible reopening of schools, Los Angeles Unified and SEIU Local 99 are working to prepare for the eventual return of students when it is safe and appropriate.
SEIU Local 99 represents more than 30,000 special education and teacher assistants, instructional aides, campus aides, bus drivers, building and grounds workers, food service workers and after-school program workers.
“We’ll continue to be careful and deliberate in the steps we are taking to bring students and staff back to campuses in the safest way possible. The health and safety of all in the school community is not something we can compromise on,” Superintendent Austin Beutner said. “We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the men and women of SEIU Local 99 to make sure our students are supported and our schools are ready for students to return when it’s safe and appropriate.”
"This agreement reflects the voices of frontline workers, including food service workers, custodians, truck drivers, IT Workers and other SEIU Local 99 members who have been performing essential work throughout this pandemic,” SEIU Local 99 Executive Director Max Arias said. “It continues safety protocols that have proven effective during distance learning and sets the foundation for a safe and equitable process for students and staff to return to school when it is safe to do so.”
Summary of Agreement
- Best-in-class approach to the health and safety of employees, including ventilation and disinfection at campuses, robust contact tracing and training.
- SEIU employees will be available to perform their regular duties, and any new duties will be negotiated.
- There will be no layoffs or furloughs or any reduction in hours for regular employees.
- Reasonable accommodations or remote work consideration will be given to employees in high-risk categories for COVID-19.
- Los Angeles Unified will provide free supervision for children of employees enrolled in District-operated schools.
- The agreement is subject to approval by the Board of Education.