LOS ANGELES (Jan. 28, 2026) — Today, the neutral mediator appointed by the State made the determination to conclude mediation between the District and UTLA and send the parties to fact-finding, a standard step in the collective bargaining process under California law. Fact-finding provides an opportunity for an independent, neutral party to review the issues and help identify potential paths toward resolution.
Prior to mediation, UTLA's proposals exceeed $1.3 billion annually in total cost and amount to more than $4 billion across the three-year term of the contract. This comes at a time when District revenues continue to decline and one-time influx of funds from the State are note guaranteed.
Prior to mediation, the District came to agreement with all of our labor partners to extend District-funded health benefits for the 2026 and 2027 plan years to cover 100% of estimated health care benefit premiums for all eligible employees, their dependents, and retirees. And yesterday, the District reached tentative agreement on the 2024 through 2027 collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 572, representing more than 3,200 classified supervisors such as school administrative assistants, food services managers, and plant managers.
Despite the District’s attempts to come to agreement with UTLA on UTLA’s specific demands, significant distance remains between what the District can responsibly offer and what UTLA proposes. The District remains optimistic that a neutral fact finder will help the parties reach a common understanding of the District’s ability to provide additional compensation for employees while also sustaining essential services for students and maintaining long-term fiscal solvency.
Los Angeles Unified remains committed to negotiating in good faith and reaching a fair, responsible agreement that supports our educators while ensuring the long-term financial stability of the District, as demonstrated by our agreement yesterday with Teamsters 572. Our fiduciary responsibility is striking a balance between multi-year fiscal solvency while protecting programs, schools, students, and workforce to the greatest extent possible.
Throughout this process, our priority remains clear: maintaining stable, welcoming schools and minimizing disruption to student learning. We value our educators and the essential work they do every day, and we will continue to engage constructively through the established bargaining process.
Los Angeles Unified will share updates as appropriate as the process moves forward.
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About Los Angeles Unified
Second largest in the nation, Los Angeles Unified School District serves nearly 550,000 students from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade to early and adult education. The District provides students with access to a robust curriculum to ensure all students are Ready for the World – to thrive in college, career and life. To learn more about Los Angeles Unified, visit www.lausd.org.
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Updated January 30, 2026