On Thursday, May 28, the SEIU Local 99 bargaining team met with Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD). The bargaining team came to the table pushing hard for fair wages that keep up with the cost of living, expanded healthcare access, and more hours with momentum from workers taking worksite picket actions across the district. 

The District's response? 

• A 2% annual raise each year for 3 years with no chance to reopen wages. 
• No movement on increasing hours for part-time workers. 
• No commitment to put an end to subcontracting.
• No expansion of healthcare eligibility. 

That 2% offer averages out to roughly $0.50 an hour — far below inflation. It's not a raise. It's a pay cut while costs keep climbing. 

This is disrespect to dedicated education workers who show up every day for students. SEIU Local 99 members deserve a living wage, real healthcare access, and enough hours to support the families and students they serve.  

The district's latest bargaining proposal shows exactly why workers are staying united and speaking out. At the bargaining table, SMMUSD continues to offer less than what workers and students deserve — despite having the resources to do better. Nearly $60 million in reserves yet think 2% is enough for the essential work SEIU Local 99 members carry out daily. 

The District is ready to stall negotiations until the next school year. Members are not waiting. 

SEIU Local 99 members are leading this fight and continue to demand: A Living Wage that Keeps up with Inflation!

From purpling-up to show our solidarity, to worksite informational pickets, leafletting parents and raising awareness of the current reality, and to speaking up at Board meetings, members have been standing strong for a fair contract. Members continue to escalate the contract fight to let the district know we're not stopping.

Join us on June 4th — Take action at the Board meeting and let board members hear the demands loud and clear. Workers need a contract that respects the people who keep schools running. 

Together we can win the investments students and frontline staff deserve. 

Let us keep the pushing forward. Sign up and stand with us. 

Speak up at the Board Meeting!

We are speaking up for a fair contract Thursday, June 4th at 5PM.

Location: 1717 4th St., Santa Monica, CA

Our unity is our strength! 

If you're not a member, sign up today for membership at seiu99.org/join 

Got questions? 

Contact your organizer Dorian Vance at dvance@seiu99.org