As a new school year begins, it’s important to recognize everything education workers at LAUSD accomplished together this past year—and prepare for the work ahead.

Because members stood together, organized, and refused to back down, SEIU Local 99 members at LAUSD won one of the strongest contracts in SEIU Local 99 history. Those victories aren’t just promises on paper, they’re beginning to take effect this school year.

Here’s what members can expect:

• Retroactive Pay: LAUSD Now Says September 8. LAUSD had previously committed to issuing retroactive pay in August. The District has now informed us that most SEIU Local 99 members will receive their retroactive payment on September 8, 2026, if not earlier.

We know members have been waiting for wages they already earned, and we share your frustration that LAUSD has pushed back its timeline.

• • Eligibility: All employees who worked in an SEIU Local 99 position during the retroactive period are eligible for retroactive pay, regardless of their current employment status.
  • Questions or disputes: If you have questions or believe there is an issue with your retro payment, contact LAUSD’s Classified Employment Services Branch at ClassifiedPersonnel@lausd.net or (213) 241-6300. For all other questions, you may contact Payroll Administration at PayrollSupport@lausd.net or (213) 241-2570.

• Minimum four-hour jobs are becoming a reality. All Unit G employees, including Beyond the Bell afterschool workers and Community Reps will move to four-hour minimum assignments beginning January 1, 2027. Some members may qualify to be moved up to four hour minimum assignments prior to January.
• Historic contract gains are taking effect. Higher wages, expanded healthcare access, increased hours, stronger job protections, and protections against subcontracting are becoming reality because education workers stood together and demanded better.

These weren’t gifts from LAUSD. They were victories won by workers who took action. But while we’re celebrating these hard-fought gains, we also know our work is far from over. LAUSD continues to jeopardize our students and families with a reckless budget plan built on layoffs, furlough days, and cutbacks.

The truth is, these cuts are a choice.

The District has billions in reserves, and this year’s state budget is still withholding $3.9 billion in rainy-day funding that should be invested in our public schools. Instead of protecting workers and students, LAUSD continues to push unnecessary cuts while nearly 200 executives earn as much as—or more than—the Governor of California.

We know a different future is possible because we’ve already won one together.

Our contract proved what happens when education workers stand together. Now we have to protect those victories and keep fighting for the investments our schools and communities deserve.

The choices made in the 2026 midterm elections will shape the future of public education. Get ready. Soon, members will step into action once again. A sign-up form will be available soon, so keep an eye on your email, text messages, and union updates.

Together, we’ve already shown what’s possible.

Now let’s keep building our power.