Stand in Solidarity with UTLA
Source: Kim McLaughlin (FB)
USEP is asking all members to stand in solidarity with our Union Brothers and Sisters of United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) as they go on strike on Thursday, Jan.10th. The decision by UTLA to strike, which was approved by 98% of the members, did not come easily and follows 20 months of negotiating with the Los Angeles United School District (LAUSD). Throughout the process, the LAUSD made no effort to bargain in good faith and has committed numerous unfair labor practices.
The members of UTLA are asking to:
- Â use the $1.9 billion in unrestricted reserves for smaller class sizes; for more nurses, counselors, and librarians; and to fully fund schools;
- Â commit to more support for special education, early education, bilingual education, and adult education;
- Â end the toxic over-testing of students;
- Â empower parent and educator voices at the school site with stronger Local School Leadership Councils; and
- Â address the charter industry drain that siphons more than $600 million from schools every year.
We are asking all members to wear RED on Thursday, January 10th, to show your solidarity and, if possible, take some group photos and send them to Kim Mclaughlin (via email at kmclaughlin@utla.net). Kim worked in Pasco County Schools and was a member of USEP.
For more information about the strike, please see the UTLA press release available on the UTLA website: https://www.utla.net/news/utla-announces-january-10-strike-date.