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LA Schools Face Shutdown: Last-Minute Deal Talks Continue
14 Apr
Summary
- LAUSD may close Tuesday, impacting 390,000 students.
- Two of three unions settled, but Local 99 still negotiating.
- Union solidarity means all could strike if one fails to agree.
As of Monday, April 14, 2026, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) teeters on the brink of a potential shutdown on Tuesday. This uncertainty affects 390,000 students and 70,000 workers, who are awaiting the outcome of protracted labor negotiations.
Two of the three involved unions, United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) and Associated Administrators of Los Angeles/Teamsters 2010 (AALA), announced tentative agreements on Sunday. However, SEIU Local 99, representing support staff, continues mediation on Monday. A critical aspect of the negotiation is the "three-union solidarity walkout" pledge, meaning if any one union does not secure a tentative agreement, all three will strike.
SEIU Local 99, which represents about 30,000 custodians, bus drivers, and other essential workers, is seeking higher wages and stable work schedules. The union has also cited alleged district retaliation and harassment as reasons for the potential strike, a claim the district denies. Local 99 members, often the lowest paid, average about $35,000 annually and are organizing food box distributions for those in need.
The district is actively preparing for a potential strike by posting information on food distribution and community child supervision sites. However, these sites will not accommodate children younger than four or those with moderate to severe disabilities. Negotiations are ongoing, with both sides engaged in mediation to avert a widespread closure.
