Agreement Reached with LAUSD for Distance Learning in New School Year Hero pay plus No layoffs, furloughs or reductions in hours secured in new agreement

After days of negotiations, our bargaining team has reached an agreement with LAUSD that addresses our working conditions during distance learning in the 2020-21 school year. This agreement is in effect until December 31, 2020 or until students return to regular in-person classes or a hybrid model. Our bargaining team will continue to work to ensure that when in-person learning begins, it is done in a safe manner for students and school workers. Stay engaged and united.

Our negotiations were guided by SEIU Local 99’s Principles for Reopening Schools that were drafted to ensure safety and equity for students and classified employees during this pandemic and beyond.

You can review the full language of the agreements by clicking on the links below:

Unit B – includes Campus Aides, Counselor Aides, Early Education Center Aides, Education Aides/Resource Aides, Health Care Assistants, Infant Care Aides, Interpreter Aides, Pupil Services & Attendance Aides, Sign Language Interpreters, Instructional Aides for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Special Education Assistants, Special Needs Attendants

Unit C – includes Building Engineers, Building & Grounds Workers, Bus Drivers, Cafeteria Workers/Helpers/Seniors, Computer Technologists, Food Production Assistants/Workers, Gardeners, Housekeepers, Mechanics, School Facilities Attendants, Stock Clerks/Workers, Tool Keepers, Truck Drivers

Unit F – Teacher Assistants

Unit G – School Supervision Aides, Community Representatives, Out-of-School Program Workers/Helpers/Supervisors

Special Guidelines and Expectations for Paraprofessionals, Campus Aides, Speech Language Pathology Assistants, Health Care Assistants, Community Representatives, School Supervision Aides, After School Program Workers, Bus Drivers

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Here are the highlights or our agreement and the principles that guided our negotiations:

Prioritizing Safety and Cleanliness for All

• Most workers in Unit B will be working remotely. Workers in Units C, F and G will be working from home as much as possible. Anyone required to report to a school or worksite will be paid additional hero pay of $3.50 per hour.
• If a worker in any unit is required to report to work and they have documented health conditions that put them at high-risk of contracting COVID-19, per the public health guidelines, they may request other assignments that require minimal contact. The district has agreed that these requests will not be unreasonably denied.
• Paraprofessionals have the choice to complete professional development training online or at a school site.
• The district commits to following all safety guidelines set by the LA County Public Health Dept. This includes temperature checks and other screening for COVID-19 symptoms for those reporting to a worksite.
• SEIU Local 99 members will be part of a Safety Collaborative Committee that will ensure there is appropriate PPE at all worksites and that all social distancing and other safety protocols are being followed at all times.

How to report unsafe work assignments: It is our union’s position that if you are required to report to a worksite and proper PPE is not available or safety protocols are not being followed, you should document it using the SEIU Local 99 online inquiry form, let your supervisor know that you cannot work because conditions are not safe and leave the worksite – and this should have no impact on your pay.

Ensuring full support and resources for our most vulnerable students

• Because of this crisis, employees may be asked to perform special duties and assignments that are not part of their current job descriptions in order to meet the needs of students and families. Please note that these special assignments are temporary.
• Guidelines have been put in place that specify the scope of these special, temporary assignments. See the Special Guidelines and Expectations listed above.
• All workers who are given special duties and assignments will receive training.  Training for those working remotely will be provided online.
• Any workers who do not have personal equipment to complete their remote assignments – such as a laptop, phone, internet or other device – should request equipment from their site administrator or supervisor.

Focus on our communities

• Child Care will be offered to workers at no charge at designated school sites.

Recognizing and respecting the role of essential education workers

• There will be no layoffs, furloughs or reduction of regular hours.
• Workers who are required to report to a worksite will earn an additional $3.50 per hour.
• Any worker who is exposed to COVID-19 will get 100% of their pay for ten days.

Bold investment in our schools and communities

We will continue to demand increased funding at the state and federal level so that we can recover from this pandemic and ensure an eventual safe return to in-person classes. As education workers, we are committed to:

• Making sure Congress passes a pandemic relief bill that closes the digital divide, funds distance learning and ensures schools can reopen safely – with no strings attached.
• California steps-up and taxes billionaires so our school have the resources needed to recover and rebuild after this pandemic.
• Pass Proposition 15 – the Schools and Communities First Act this November.

We all recognize these are unprecedented times and distance learning will be challenging.  If you have questions or concerns about your assignment please contact your supervisor. If your issue is not resolved, please complete Local 99’s online inquiry form and a union organizer will be in contact with you. Also, be aware that we will continue to be in discussions with LAUSD to address issues that may arise during distance learning and will continue in negotiations to ensure an eventual safe return to in-person classes. Let’s continue to stand union strong.