LOS ANGELES (June 16, 2026) – Today, the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education has officially ratified labor agreements with Service Employees International Union Local 99 (SEIU), United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), Associated Administrators of Los Angeles/Teamsters Local 2010 Units J & M, and Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, marking an important step forward in strengthening collaboration, supporting the workforce, and ensuring continued progress for students across the District.
“Today’s ratification represents what is possible when we stay grounded in our shared purpose and work together in good faith,” Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. “These agreements are about more than contracts, they are about creating the conditions for strong schools, supported employees, and positive outcomes for students.”
These agreements reflect a shared commitment between the District and its labor partners to invest in the people who make schools run every day—educators, support staff, and administrators—while maintaining a clear focus on student success.
The newly ratified agreements include provisions that:
- Increase academic counseling, mental health, and special education supports for students
- Support and retain a high-quality workforce
- Increase the District’s minimum wage to $28.49/hour beginning January 1, 2027
- Increase employee hours and access to health and welfare benefits
Acting Superintendent Chait and Labor Leaders underscored that collaboration—not division—will be essential to moving forward. With these agreements in place, the District will continue its work to strengthen instruction, expand opportunities for students, and ensure that every school is a place where students feel supported, engaged, and prepared for the future.
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBER QUOTES
Board President Scott M. Schmerelson
“Without our teachers and staff, our schools would not be able to function,” said LAUSD Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. “Our commitment to our labor partners remains constant, and we want to continue making investments in our teachers and staff. Although we are facing financial challenges, we understand that for our core functions to work, we need to prioritize our belief in those who attend to our students.”
Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas
"These agreements reflect our commitment to valuing the educators, school staff, and employees who make our schools possible every day," said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. "By investing in the workforce that supports our students, we are strengthening learning environments, improving stability across our schools, and honoring the essential contributions of the people who serve our communities."
Board Member Nick Melvoin
“LA Unified is nothing without the hard work and dedication of our employees—including the educators, service employees, administrators, and building and trades workers who support our students and sustain our school communities every day,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin. “These contracts reflect their contributions and an ongoing collective commitment to advocate for adequate school funding into the future.”
Board Member Karla Griego
“Honoring and ratifying these labor agreements is one way we demonstrate our commitment to and respect for our employees, from the educators in the classroom and principals leading our schools, to the cafeteria workers and PSWs who support our students' health and mental wellbeing,” said Board Member Karla Griego. “Together, they all play vital roles in ensuring that our students and families have access to the high-quality educational experience they deserve. That is why I am proud to support these CBAs, which not only provide dignified wages, fair hours, and strong working conditions for our employees, but also address critical student-centered needs and priorities such as expanding mental health supports, reducing class sizes for special education students, and fostering inclusive environments for our LGBTQIA+ community.”
Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin
“Our employees deserve a living wage that allows them to support their families,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin. We can’t be an employer of choice if the people caring for our students are struggling to make ends meet, many of whom are also parents in our school communities. I proudly support these contracts because our employees deserve to be compensated in a way that reflects their value.
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