LOS ANGELES (March 19, 2026) — Today, Los Angeles Unified leaders addressed recent developments in labor negotiations, including labor partners’ announcement of a potential strike date.
Speaking at the event were Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait, Board President Scott M. Schmerelson, and Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas.
Acting Superintendent Chait began by recognizing Los Angeles Unified educators and employees, then emphasized the urgency of reaching an agreement and avoiding a strike.
“I want to make it clear, nobody wants a strike,” Chait said. “Strikes are not good for students. They are not good for our schools. They are not good for our families. I truly believe that our labor partners also do not want a strike. We will continue to work together, around the clock, to come to an agreement that avoids this outcome.”
He also underscored the district’s responsibility to both students and employees, while maintaining long-term financial stability.
“We have a responsibility to our community to provide a quality education to our students and to make sure our employees are compensated fairly and equitably,” Chait said. “But we also have a responsibility to be careful stewards of the financial resources that our taxpayers entrust to us. Any increases in salary must be balanced and consider the entire public school system we are here to serve.”
Chait noted that school districts across California are facing significant financial challenges and pointed to the district’s efforts to address rising costs of living.
“We certainly recognize that the cost of living in Los Angeles continues to rise, and in response we have committed to significant raises for our employees, among the highest offers in the state,” Chait said. “For example, we have offered a guaranteed minimum of 8% raises over two years to our teachers. And we have presented an offer that allows for reopening negotiations if our financial situation were to improve.”
He also addressed labor leaders directly, expressing respect for their work and dedication.
“Please know, I respect your passion, your commitment to our students, and your leadership. And I have even greater respect for your members who work every day to provide a quality education to all of our students.”
To the broader community, Chait reiterated the district’s commitment to staying at the bargaining table and working toward a resolution.
“I want you to know that you can count on us to make every effort to avoid a strike. We will continue to show up at the bargaining table, and we believe that we can reach agreement with all of our labor partners.”
Chait concluded his statement with a call to unity.
“This is a time for us to come together in our mission to serve students when they need us most. This is a time for us to remember that we are L.A. Unified.” Chait said.
Board members echoed the call for progress in negotiations and stability for students and staff.
“As the District continues through the bargaining process, I hope an agreement is reached soon and that together we maintain a stable and safe environment for students and staff,” Board President Schmerelson said. “I will continue to fight for our workforce and our everyday heroes.”
Board Vice President Rivas also emphasized the importance of balancing fairness with stability.
“As negotiations continue, our responsibility is to reach a fair agreement while maintaining a stable environment for our students,” Rivas said. “Our educators deserve a fair contract, and our students deserve stability. We are committed to doing everything in our power to reach an agreement that supports both.”
Full remarks from the press conference can be found here.
Quotes From Board of Education Members
“Nobody wins when a strike happens at LAUSD,” Board President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “The students have their education disrupted, and it jeopardizes our academic gains; the parents struggle with childcare, and our staff loses trust in us. We must do all we can to avoid fracturing this relationship, and I hope that an agreement can be reached soon.”
“We support the right of workers to organize and advocate for themselves,” Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “Our educators, administrators, and school staff deserve a fair contract and our students deserve stability. We are committed to doing our part to reach an agreement that supports both.
“We continue to remain in conversation with our labor partners because reaching an agreement is the best option for prioritizing student achievement,” Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill said.
“LA Unified is nothing without our dedicated teachers, school staff, and labor partners, and we remain committed to honoring their contributions through strong agreements that also protect the District’s long-term fiscal stability,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “A disciplined budgetary approach allows us to maintain staffing stability, deliver meaningful raises and benefits, and continue investing in smaller class sizes and student supports. We will keep working around the clock to reach fair agreements and avoid the disruption a strike would cause—because our students need stability now more than ever.”
“Together with the Board and District staff, I am committed to reaching an agreement that meets the needs of our educators and support staff,” Board Member Karla Griego said. “My focus is ensuring that staff have the resources and conditions for effective teaching and learning, while supporting our students and families to thrive. The efforts on behalf of educators and administrators to bring more instructional, socio-emotional, Special Education, and mental health supports for our students is of great value for our communities in these times of uncertainty. In addition, SEIU Local 99’s efforts to increase our district’s capacity to keep our schools clean and safe for our students are critical.”
“Every day our classified staff, our teachers, and our administrators support and uplift our students,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “I am committed to reaching agreements with our labor partners that invest in our employees, reflect the critical work they do, and ensure our school district can continue to provide a high-quality education for all students in the long-term.”
“While we, like many districts, are facing real budget challenges, I remain committed to reaching a thoughtful agreement with our labor partners that uplifts both our dedicated employees and honors our promise to current and future students,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “I look forward to receiving the fact finder’s report at the end of the month to help us move forward responsibly.”