With a potential strike looming in the Los Angeles Unified School District, students and families are facing a key question: What would happen if teachers and school workers walked off the job?
United Teachers Los Angeles, which represents about 37,000 teachers, and SEIU Local 99, which represents roughly 30,000 school support staff, including bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers and special education assistants, have set April 14 as a potential strike date if contract agreements are not reached with the district.
The Associated Administrators of Los Angeles/Teamsters Local 2010, the union representing about 3,000 principals, assistant principals, classified managers and school administrators, said Friday members overwhelmingly approved a strike authorization and will join the planned April 14 walkout.
The possible walkout could involve tens of thousands of employees and affect more than 500,000 students across the nation’s second-largest school district.
In a written statement Friday, before the AALA results were released, a district spokesperson said school operations would depend on which employees participate in a strike, ranging from campuses remaining open to operating with limited services or potentially closing.
“Negotiations are ongoing, and the District remains committed to reaching an agreement that supports our employees while also protecting the long-term financial stability of the District,” the spokesperson said.
District officials said they are preparing contingency plans, including maintaining access to meals, learning and student supervision.
Union leaders also said they remain open to bargaining, though talks have yet to produce a breakthrough.
Here’s what to know about how a strike could impact schools and daily routines:
Will schools close?
It depends on how many workers participate, and which groups join, but past strikes offer some clues.
During a six-day educators strike in January 2019 led by United Teachers Los Angeles, LAUSD campuses remained open, with the district relying on substitute teachers and skeleton crews of administrators and other non-striking staff to keep schools running. Attendance dropped sharply.
But in March 2023, when school service workers went on a three-day strike led by SEIU Local 99 and teachers walked out in solidarity, campuses were closed for the duration of the strike. The district distributed take-home materials, set up student supervision sites and partnered with local agencies to provide meals and services.
Acting Superintendent Andres Chait said during a March 19 press conference that when multiple unions strike, it can be “difficult, if not nearly impossible” to keep schools open.
Even if schools remain open, families should expect disruptions to staffing, schedules and instruction.
Will students still have classes?
Instruction would likely be limited.
If teachers walk out, most regular classroom instruction would be disrupted. In past strikes, schools have relied on administrators, substitute teachers and other available staff to supervise students, but with administrators also expected to participate, schools may have limited capacity to remain open.
The district spokesperson said Friday that as part of its contingency planning, the LAUSD is preparing to provide take-home instructional materials and access to online learning, along with devices and internet connectivity where needed.
What about meals?
School meals could also be affected.
SEIU Local 99 represents cafeteria workers, meaning food preparation and on-campus meal service may be limited if workers strike. In past labor actions, the district has continued providing meals at select sites.
During the 2023 strike, the LAUSD, along with city and county partners, offered food distribution and student supervision at designated locations across the district.
District officials said they plan to continue operating food distribution sites for students and families if a strike occurs.
Will buses still run?
Transportation may be disrupted.
SEIU Local 99 also represents bus drivers and other transportation staff, so service could be reduced or unavailable if workers participate in a strike. Families who rely on school buses, particularly for students with special needs, may need to plan for alternatives.
During the 2019 strike, the L.A. County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) allowed LAUSD students to ride buses, light-rail and subway lines for free between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. during strike days.
It’s not yet clear whether similar transit support would be offered if a strike occurs this time
Can a strike still be avoided?
Yes, but major disagreements remained.
District officials said negotiations are ongoing and that they remain committed to reaching an agreement.
“Avoiding a strike will require both parties to continue engaging in good-faith negotiations and working toward a solution that is fair and sustainable,” the district spokesperson said in the statement. “We have reached agreement with five of our eight labor partners and are willing to work around the clock to come to agreement with our teachers, administrators, and service workers.”
Union leaders say they remain open to negotiations but have expressed frustration with recent proposals. UTLA Treasurer Gloria Martinez said a bargaining session this week failed to produce meaningful progress, and in some cases, rolled back earlier proposals, including around class sizes and student support staffing.
“We’re not trying to go on strike,” she said in a phone interview Thursday, “but we also understand how important it is for students, for communities, and for ourselves, to be strike ready.”
In a statement, Blanca Gallegos, a spokesperson for SEIU Local 99, said Thursday the union continues to be open to discussions with the district.
“A strike is a last resort but, ultimately, it is a step that frontline school workers are willing to take in response to the district’s unfair treatment,” she said.
What should families do — and what support would be available?
For now, families should stay informed and prepare for possible disruptions.
That may include:
• Checking for updates from LAUSD.
• Arranging backup child care.
• Planning alternative transportation.
District officials said they are working with city and community partners to provide student supervision sites and other resources during a strike.
Plans also include access to mental health support and community-based services for students and families.
