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Striking LA School Workers Rally Outside School District HQ

Protesters gathered outside the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) headquarters in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday, March 21, the first day of a three-day strike over “unfair labor practices” and low pay for school workers.

According to the labor union SEIU Local 99, the workers – including cafeteria workers, special education assistants, custodians, and bus drivers – decided to strike following failed negotiations with the LAUSD.

According to local news reports, LAUSD superintendent Alberto Carvalho called the walkout an unnecessary harm to students that will compound the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2019 teachers strike, when six school days were lost.

Carvalho said on March 21 that the district remains “ready to return to negotiations with SEIU Local 99.”

California representative Adam Schiff said he stood with the protesters. “No one can live on $25,000. We must invest in schools and pay fair wages. It’s time to support those who support our kids.”

Footage captured by Twitter user @mattyv_ftp shows a large crowd of protesters gathered outside the headquarters in downtown Los Angeles. Credit: @mattyv_ftp via Storyful