SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson) stood with members of the California Legislature who represent schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), in support of teachers and families to demand that LAUSD negotiate fairly and work harder to compromise.
“We are not here today to negotiate from a press conference,” said Assemblymember Gipson. “We are here to make sure LAUSD is exploring all viable options to come to a resolution and that we get back to the true focus of this whole issue, which is the value of educating our children and ensuring working families have the resources to thrive.”
Since Monday of this week, teachers and parents have been picketing after negotiations between LAUSD and the United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA) failed to come to an agreement last Friday.
As the second-largest employer in Los Angeles County, LAUSD employs over 34,000 educators who serves over 600,000 K-12 students.
Amid the contentious union contract negotiations, students and families have been hurt most. Student attendance has taken a toll, resulting in a loss of critical revenue needed in already underfunded schools.
LAUSD has reported $97 million in gross revenue loss since the strike began.
“Children are missing school, teachers are missing work and working families are losing trust for their school system. We need to restore their confidence.” said Assemblymember Gipson.
Mike Gipson represents the 64th Assembly District. The district includes the cities of Carson, Compton, Gardena, Harbor Gateway, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, South Los Angeles, Torrance, Watts/Willowbrook and Wilmington.
Below is a link to audios of Assemblymembers Mike Gipson, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Wendy Carrillo, Luz Rivas and Christy Smith:
https://asmdc.org/content/press-conference-response-lausd-teacher-strike
CONTACT: Emmanuel J. Aguayo, Emmanuel.Aguayo@asm.ca.gov, (916) 319-2064