M&O Labor Management Committee Meeting Reportback – May 19, 2026 

On May 19, elected SEIU Local 99 Labor Management Committee (LMC) members met with LAUSD management through the Maintenance & Operations LMC to address ongoing workplace concerns raised directly by members.   

Slope Mowers & Fire Clearance Equipment 

Members continued raising concerns about the dangers of maintaining steep hillsides with equipment that was never designed for that type of terrain. Gardeners and custodians have repeatedly reported safety risks when working on slopes that exceed safe operating limits. 

Because members raised concerns, this pushed the district to explore autonomous, remote-operated slope mowing equipment to assist with hillside maintenance and fire clearance work. Two pilot units are expected to be tested in Local District C3. 

The District also acknowledged the significant reduction in gardening staffing over the years and stated that any new equipment would be intended to support workers, not replace them. 

What's Next: 

The District will move forward with pilot testing and report back on the results. This will continue to be monitored to ensure new technology improves safety and does not negatively impact staffing levels. 

Steam Machine Training and Safety Concerns 

There is inadequate training on steam machines, including situations where workers were expected to learn from coworkers without sufficient hands-on instruction, supervision, or safety protocols. 

The voices of members moved the district to agree that additional training is needed and acknowledged the serious risks associated with equipment operating at extremely high temperatures. The District committed to involving supervisors, senior staff, and subject matter experts in future training efforts. 

What's Next: 

SEIU Local 99 LMC members will follow up to ensure proper training, documentation, and safety procedures are implemented before workers are expected to operate this equipment. 

Pool Custodian Tools Still Outstanding 

There have been longstanding concerns that pool custodians still have not received all necessary tools and equipment to perform their jobs safely and effectively. The consistency of members arguments left the district no choice but to respond letting us know that funding and purchasing approvals have already been completed and committed to providing an update on ordering and delivery timelines before the next meeting. 

What's Next: 

Members will continue tracking this issue until the promised tools are delivered. 

Custodians Being Trained for Gardening Duties 

Custodians are increasingly being trained on gardening equipment while both classifications continue to experience staffing shortages. Workers want clarity regarding expectations and workload responsibilities. 

The District stated that some overlap exists within Building & Grounds classifications but emphasized that custodians are not intended to replace gardeners or assume full-time gardening responsibilities. The District also acknowledged that additional training would be required before workers operate certain equipment. 

What's Next: 

Members will continue reviewing workload concerns with members and push back against any attempts to shift work without proper staffing, training, or protections. 

Mean Green Mower Breakdowns and Maintenance Delays 

Gardeners reported frequent equipment failures involving Mean Green mowers and raised concerns regarding maintenance delays, equipment reliability, and overdue training on cleaning and servicing procedures. 

The District committed to reviewing manufacturer specifications and investigating whether equipment failures stem from maintenance issues, vendor problems, or equipment defects. The District also acknowledged overdue training needs. 

What's Next: 

Members will continue monitoring equipment reliability and push for the training and resources members need to safely maintain District equipment. 

Special Requests and Route Disruptions 

Members reported that frequent special requests from plant managers can disrupt regular route assignments, create unrealistic workloads, and make it difficult to complete scheduled work. 

The District acknowledged these concerns and discussed developing a digital tracking system to better document and manage special requests. Management also noted that existing route documentation procedures should be used when requests interfere with assigned duties. 

What's Next: 

Members should continue documenting special requests and notifying supervisors when those requests prevent completion of regular assignments. Members will continue advocating for accountability and realistic workloads. 

Sub Custodians Covering Multiple Schools 

Sub custodians reported ongoing split assignments across multiple campuses, creating increased workloads, travel demands, and pressure from sites struggling with chronic understaffing. 

The District acknowledged significant staffing shortages and confirmed that split assignments are being used as a last resort.  

Every vacancy places additional strain on the workers who remain. Members continue carrying the burden of staffing shortages while attempting to maintain safe and clean learning environments. 

What's Next: 

Members will continue documenting vacancies, split assignments, workload concerns, and the impact these shortages have on workers and schools. 

Custodial Inspections During Understaffing 

Members questioned why schools continue receiving unfavorable inspection results despite severe understaffing and split assignments that make it difficult to meet expectations. 

The District stated inspections are intended to document site conditions and support requests for additional staffing and resources rather than serve as a disciplinary tool. 

What's Next: 

Members will continue monitoring how inspection data is used and ensure it is not improperly used against workers who are already stretched thin due to staffing shortages. 

Beaudry Building Lighting Safety Concerns 

Workers reported ongoing safety concerns related to lights shutting off during evening shifts, forcing custodians to interrupt work and navigate dark areas to locate reset controls. 

The District agreed the situation creates safety concerns and committed to reviewing lighting timer settings and improving communication regarding override controls. 

What's Next: 

Members will follow up on corrective actions and continue advocating for safe working conditions. 

Principal Gardener Position Moving Forward 

Members requested an update on the long-awaited rollout of the Principal Gardener classification. 

Management confirmed the classification has been approved and stated that recruitment is expected to begin with an initial opening. 

What's Next: 

Members will continue tracking the recruitment timeline and share updates as they become available. This remains an important promotional opportunity for gardeners seeking career advancement. 

Looking Ahead 

Many of the issues discussed at this meeting reflect broader concerns about staffing, workload, training, and workplace safety. Through the Labor Management Committee process, SEIU Local 99 members continue pushing the District to address these concerns and improve working conditions across Maintenance & Operations. 

Our next M&O Labor Management Committee meeting is scheduled for June 16, 2026. 

If you have workplace issues that need to be raised, contact the Member Resource Center at 213-637-0296 or fill out an inquiry at seiu99.org/inquire. The strongest solutions come from workers speaking up and taking action together.