Educators in the Los Angeles Unified School District overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike after months of stalled contract talks, union leaders announced Saturday.
Members of United Teachers Los Angeles approved the measure by a 94% margin, giving the union’s elected board the authority to call a strike if the district does not reach an agreement that addresses staffing, class sizes and student services.
“For nearly a year, educators have stood united around our contract demands because we know what our schools need,” said UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz in a statement. “We are in classrooms every day, and we know what it takes to truly serve our students and their families. … Tonight’s results send a clear message: teachers, nurses, counselors, social workers, and librarians are ready to do what is necessary to support our students and strengthen our schools.”…