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Los Angeles Unified and SEIU Local 99 Reach Tentative Agreement (08-17-20)

CONTACT:                                                                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shannon Haber, 213-393-1289                                  August 17, 2020

 

 Los Angeles Unified and SEIU Local 99 Reach Tentative Agreement

LOS ANGELES (August 17, 2020) – Los Angeles Unified and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 99 have reached a tentative agreement representing a shared effort to support distance learning and fully utilize all resources while school facilities are closed due to the pandemic.

The tentative agreement reflects an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to supporting students and schools by temporarily granting SEIU-represented employees the flexibility to perform duties and assignments outside their current job description. Those unable to work in their usual position while school facilities are closed will receive training to help them tutor students, for instance, or help students access technology needed for online learning.

In addition, the tentative agreement extends a stipend for SEIU members who cannot do their job remotely and must report to a work site. It also details the safety precautions that Los Angeles Unified will take, such as providing symptom checks and screening, hygiene training and personal protective equipment, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

SEIU Local 99 represents special education assistants, instructional aides, campus aides, bus drivers, buildings and grounds workers, food service workers, teacher assistants and after-school program workers.

“We have all learned from our experiences with distance learning since March and we’ve applied what we learned to this agreement,” Superintendent Austin Beutner said. “Our shared goal is to provide the best possible education for students in our schools.”

Summary of Tentative Agreement

  • All-hands-on-deck approach to supporting students
    • Employees may perform special duties outside of their class description, including tutoring.
    • Beyond the Bell staff will support the Student Supervision Centers, whch will provide childcare for school-site employees.
    • Bus drivers will provide a range of duties, including logistical support to school sites, routing technology calls, transporting devices to students, serving as an additional adult in virtual classrooms and contact tracing of COVID-19 cases.
    • Campus aides and school supervision aides will help distribute and collect devices and instructional materials. 
  • Employee Safety
    • Best-in-class standards, including electrostatic cleaning, MERV 13 ventilation and screenings, and PPE kits at work sites.
    • Joint Safety Collaborative Committee to continuously review safety standards.
    • Ability to work remotely, when possible. 
  • Compensation
    • Employees will work their regular workday.
    • Hourly differential for those who are required to report to a work site until hybrid instruction begins.
    • No-cost childcare for employees assigned to school sites. 
  • Professional Development
    • Mandatory training for paraprofessionals who support instruction.
    • Training for support staff on topics such as Zoom and Customer Service. 

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