CA: LA SCHOOL WORKERS SET TO END MASSIVE STRIKE
<p><b>Supers/Fonts: </b> Thursday</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Los Angeles, CA</p>\n<p></p>\n<p><b>Story Location: </b> Los Angeles</p>\n<p></p>\n<p><b>State/Province: </b> California</p>\n<p></p>\n<p><b>Shot Date: </b> 03/23/2023</p>\n<p></p>\n<p><b>URL: </b> https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/los-angeles-unified-school-district-strike-resources-for-parents-of-students/</p>\n<p></p>\n<p><b>Notes and Restrictions: </b></p>\n<p></p>\n<p><b>Newsource Notes: </b></p>\n<p></p>\n<p><b>Story Description: </b></p>\n<p>Elements:</p>\n<p>DONUT: nats/vo protesters ground and aerial footage, sots protesters, graphics, sot mayor, sot mom, </p>\n<p></p>\n<p><b>CNN INFORMATION:</b></p>\n<p></p>\n<p>https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/22/us/lausd-strike-school-workers-los-angeles-wednesday/index.html</p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Classrooms in the Los Angeles area were closed for a third day Thursday as school workers capped off a massive strike demanding increased wages and better work conditions.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>The Service Employees International Union Local 99, which represents about 30,000 Los Angeles school custodians, cafeteria workers, bus drivers and other student services staff, began picketing Tuesday with the support of the district’s teachers after nearly a year of unsuccessful negotiations with the school district.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>The three-day strike was ending with a rally at the Los Angeles State Historic Park on Thursday, where union members in the nation’s second-largest school district will “issue their strong, unified call for LAUSD to bargain fairly,” SEIU Local 99 said.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>School workers plan to return to school on Friday, according to the union.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Frustrated union members say they feel undervalued by low wages, minimal staffing and inadequate hours even as they provide essential services to the Los Angeles Unified School District’s students. The union says workers’ average salary is $25,000, requiring many to work additional jobs.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>“We live in this weird paradox as workers that help feed children and yet we struggle to feed our own children,” union member Adrian Alverez told CNN affiliate KCAL. “We help students go to college, yet we don’t have enough money to send our kids to college.”</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>The union is demanding “equitable wage increases, more full-time work, respectful treatment, and increased staffing levels for improved student services.”</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>The United Teachers Los Angeles union, which is undergoing separate contact negotiations with the district, is honoring the workers’ strike and has urged its 35,000 members to join picket lines and rallies.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>The district said Wednesday it had been “in conversation” with the school workers union and is working to resolve the strike.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>“We continue to do everything possible to reach an agreement that honors the hard work of our employees, corrects historic inequities, maintains the financial stability of the District and brings students back to the classroom. We are hopeful these talks continue and look forward to updating our school community on a resolution,” the district said in a statement.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>District superintendent Alberto Carvalho acknowledged Tuesday that the strike is a result of a years-long “crescendo of frustration” on behalf of workers but told CNN, “We should not be depriving our students of an opportunity to learn.”</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>The strike has left many of the district’s more than 500,000 students scrambling for child care options.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>“So far, my wife has planned to take a couple days off work and maybe stay home with the kids and I’m going to have to do more overtime,” parent Armando Basulto told KABC.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Rachel Wagner, whose 9-year-old son attends school in Encino, told CNN she supports the workers’ actions and believes better pay would alleviate staffing shortages and decrease turnover.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>“At the end of the day, you know, their working conditions are our child’s learning conditions,” Wagner said.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Where the negotiations stand</p>\n<p>After nearly a year of gridlocked negotiations, the district and union have yet to reach a bargain, though Carvalho told CNN the district is prepared to work toward a potentially “precedent-setting contract.”</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>The two parties had planned to participate in a confidential mediation process Monday, but the union refused to come to the table after a district spokesperson shared details of the planned negotiations.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Members of the Los Angeles schools’ support workers union are demanding, in part:</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>• A 30% pay raise, plus an additional $2 an hour over next four years</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>• Increased employment hours for part-time workers</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>The latest offers announced by the Los Angeles school district on Monday included:</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>• A 23% recurring pay increase, plus a 3% cash-in-hand bonus</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>• A $20-an-hour minimum wage</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>• Full health care benefits for those working at least four hours a day.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Carvalho said Tuesday that the district is willing to resume negotiations and recognized the “historic inequities” that many of the district’s staff members face.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>“Years of substandard compensation levels that – quite frankly, in a community like Los Angeles where the cost of living (and) the cost of housing are so high – have put our workforce, particularly the lowest wage earners, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodial staff, in a position where they cannot live in the communities where they work,” Carvalho told CNN.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>District provides support for families</p>\n<p>As classes remain on hold due to the strike, the district has announced several measures to assist families, some of which rely on the daily meals provided to their children at school.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Daytime supervision is available at more than 150 schools. Additionally, 30 recreation centers are hosting a Special Edition After School Club Program for elementary school students and 18 county recreation and park sites are hosting drop-in “Everybody Plays” programs with open gyms and recreation equipment.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>The Los Angeles County Zoo is also providing free admission to district students and a “community Safari Day” program for elementary school students.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>On Monday, some families picked up six grab-and-go meals per student at two dozen distribution sites, though the city has since ended the program.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Still, some parents worry that the support services are not enough, including Stephanie Freidenriech, whose son Charles is a high school sophomore.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>“He’s old enough that I’m not worried about him,” Freidenriech told KABC of her son. “I’m really more concerned about the other kids missing school, younger kids and parents who have to worry about daycare.”</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>“Ultimately, I feel that they’re probably being left behind in a battle between adults,” parent Mike Bernstein told the affiliate.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p><b>AFFILIATE INFORMATION: </b></p>\n<p>Los Angeles Unified School District employees have declared their intent to strike for three days this week, from Tuesday, March 21, through Thursday, March 23, and the union representing the district's teachers has said they will strike with the employees in solidarity. Monday night, LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced all district schools would close due to the impending strike. At 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, the strike began.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>More than 150 locations will be available for students looking for meals and help with schoolwork while the strike goes on.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>The school district has resources available for parents during the potential three-day strike this week. And L.A. Mayor Karen Bass authorized more support for LAUSD families in the event schools are closed.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>LAUSD: Grab & Go Food Locations</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Families may pick up meals for their students at Grab & Go sites on Tuesday, March 21 from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Six meals per student will be provided at pickup, to cover breakfast and lunch over three days.</p>\n<p>Los Angeles Zoo: Free School Day Admission for LAUSD Students</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>During the event of a LAUSD strike, we're extending our LAUSD school group pricing to currently enrolled LAUSD students and their chaperones.</p>\n<p>Los Angeles Public Library: In the event of school closures, libraries will be open normal business hours.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>All LAUSD students already have an assigned Student Success Card to provide access to all the Library has to offer. </p>\n<p>The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks will offer a Special Edition After School Club Program at 30 recreation centers in the event of LAUSD school closures this week. The program will be free and available to elementary school students in 1st to 5th grades 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. March 21 - March 23. Registration will be available online on Monday, March 20, at 1 p.m. Slots are first registered, first served. Due to limited space, students must be checked-in by 8:15 a.m. or will lose their registration space for the day. The program will include assistance with school assignments, recreation activities, lunch, and snacks. If school closures do not take place, the Special Edition After School Program will be discontinued. </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>For more information about Department of Recreation and Parks events, activities, services, programs, and facilities, visit laparks.org or call 311, or (213) 202-2700.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Designated Recreation Centers (RC) to serve elementary school students are as follows: </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Baldwin Hills RC, 5401 Highlight Place, Los Angeles, CA 90016 - (323) 934-0746</p>\n<p>Chevy Chase RC, 4165 Chevy Chase Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90039 - (818) 550-1453</p>\n<p>Delano Park RC, 15100 Erwin St., Van Nuys, CA 91411 - (818) 756-8529</p>\n<p>Echo Park RC, 1632 Bellevue Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026 - (213) 250-3578</p>\n<p>EXPO Center, 3980 Bill Robertson Ln, Los Angeles, CA 90037 - (213) 763-0114</p>\n<p>Fernangeles RC, 8851 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Sun Valley, CA 91352 - (818) 767-4171</p>\n<p>Glassell Park RC, 3650 Verdugo Rd, Los Angeles CA 90065 - (323) 257-1863</p>\n<p>Granada Park RC, 16730 Chatsworth, Granada Hills, CA 91344 - (818) 363-3556</p>\n<p>Highland Park RC, 6150 Piedmont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90042 - (213) 847-4876</p>\n<p>Jackie Tatum Harvard RC, 1535 W 62nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90047 - (323) 778-7268</p>\n<p>Lanark Park RC, 21816 Lanark St. Canoga Park, CA 91304 - (818) 883-1503</p>\n<p>Lincoln Park RC, 3501 Valley Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90031 - (213) 275-6955</p>\n<p>Mason Park RC, 10500 Mason Ave. Chatsworth, CA 91311 - (818) 756-6377</p>\n<p>Normandie Park RC, 1550 S. Normandie Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006 - (310) 328-3689</p>\n<p>North Hollywood RC, 11430 Chandler Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 - (818) 763-76511</p>\n<p>Oakwood Park RC, 767 California Ave., Venice, CA 90291 - (310) 452-7479</p>\n<p>Pan Pacific Park RC, 7600 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036 - (323) 939-8874</p>\n<p>Poinsettia Park RC, 7341 Willoughby Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046 - (323) 876-8279</p>\n<p>Ritchie Valens RC, 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd. Pacoima, CA 91331 - (818) 834-5175</p>\n<p>Robertson Park RC, 1641 Preuss Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90035 - (310) 278-5383</p>\n<p>Rosecrans Park RC, 840 W 149th Street, Gardena, CA 90247 - (310) 327-3653</p>\n<p>Ross Snyder RC, 1501 E 41st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90011 - (323) 235-5288</p>\n<p>St Andrews Park RC, 8701 St Andrews Place, Los Angeles, CA 90047 - (213) 485-1751</p>\n<p>Studio City RC, 12621 Rye St. Studio City, CA 91604 - (818) 769-4415</p>\n<p>Sunland Park RC, 8651 Foothill Blvd. Sunland CA 91040 - (818) 352-5282</p>\n<p>Tarzana Park RC, 5655 Vanalden Ave. Tarzana, CA 91356 - (818) 343-5946</p>\n<p>Valley Plaza Park RC, 12240 Archwood St., North Hollywood, CA 91605 - (818) 765-5885</p>\n<p>Van Nuys Sherman Oaks RC, 14201 Houston St. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 - (818) 756-8131</p>\n<p>Vineyard Park RC, 2942 Vineyard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90016 - (323) 732-2469</p>\n<p>Wilmington Park RC, 325 N Neptune Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 - (310) 548-7645</p>\n<p>The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation will extend the hours of its Every Body Plays program at 16 select parks as well as at Deane Dana Friendship Park and Stoneview Nature Center from March 21 to March 23.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>The Every Body Plays program is a free drop-in recreation program where children ages 7 to 17 can participate in activities like sports, games and arts and crafts. Participants can also receive a free grab-n-go breakfast from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. These 16 selected sites (listed below) will operate from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21, Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, March 23.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Belvedere Park (4914 E. Cesar Chavez Ave. Los Angeles, CA 9002)</p>\n<p>City Terrace Park (1126 N. Hazard Ave, E. Los Angeles, CA 90063)</p>\n<p>Obregon Park (4021 E. First St. Los Angeles, CA 90063)</p>\n<p>Saybrook Park (6250 East Northside Dr. East Los Angeles, CA 90022)</p>\n<p>Ruben Salazar Park (3864 Whittier Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90023)</p>\n<p>Athens Park (12603 S. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90061)</p>\n<p>Bethune Park (1244 E. 61st St. Los Angeles, CA 9000)</p>\n<p>Helen Keller Park (1045 W. 126th St Los Angeles, CA 90044)</p>\n<p>Jesse Owens Park (9651 S. Western Ave Los Angeles, CA 90047)</p>\n<p>Earvin Magic Johnson Park (905 E. El Segundo Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90059)</p>\n<p>Roosevelt Park (7600 Graham Ave. Los Angeles CA 90001)</p>\n<p>Ted Watkins Park (1335 E. 103rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90002)</p>\n<p>Leon H Washington Park (8908 S. Maie Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90002)</p>\n<p>Victoria Park (419 Martin Luther King Jr. St. Carson, CA 90746)</p>\n<p>El Cariso Park (13100 Hubbard St. Sylmar, CA 91342)</p>\n<p>Crescenta Valley Park (3901 Dunsmore Ave. Glendale, CA 91214)</p>\n<p>Additionally, Deane Dana Friendship Nature Center and Stoneview Nature Center will also be activated for extended hours from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21, Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, March 23. These sites will also serve free breakfast and lunches, while supplies last.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Deane Dana Friendship Park and Nature Center (1805 W. 9th St.San Pedro, CA 90732)</p>\n<p>Stoneview Nature Center (5950 Stoneview Dr. Culver City, CA 90232)</p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Station Notes/Scripts:</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>--nat-- </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>--track-- </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>A sea of red and purple filled Los Angeles State Historic Park during a massive rally in Chinatown.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>--nat-- </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>--track</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>At the heart of the contract battle with LA Public Schools is SEIU which represents cafeteria workers bus drivers and special education assistants like Maria Lopez.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>--sot-- 35:23 Maria Lopez/SEIU Special Ed. Assistant 23-26 </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>We change diapers like 10 15 times a day.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>--track-- </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>The teachers union is backing SEIU which is fighting for more staffing -- higher pay and more hours for part time workers who say its tough to qualify for health benefits.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>--sot-- Jessica Mota/SEIU Teachers Assistant Member 11:11 37-43</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>I recently got sick where I had pay out of pocket because I dont health insurance. </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>--track-- </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>The union wants a 30-percent pay raise.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>This week, the district upped its offer to a 23-percent overall increase along with a three-percent cash bonus.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>But union members say that counteroffer would be spread out over time -- and that doesnt do much when the current average salary is about 25-thousand dollars a year.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>--nat-- </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Jessica and friends...</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>--track-- </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>--nat-- </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>From the stage...</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>--track-- </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Mayor Karen Bass invited both sides to City Hall yesterday to have a neutral site for mediations.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>She acknowledges the SEIU workforce is underpaid.. But is also concerned about being fiscally responsible </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>--sot-- 15:25 mayor s</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>I keep my fingers crossed that well come to some sort of agreement soon. But right now itd be premature to say thats ready to happen. </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>--track--</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>The three-day walk-out has impacted childcare for more than 400-thousand families.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>But many parents weve spoken with say they support the strike.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>--sot-- Yazmin Arevalo/Parent 18:55</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>Theres a lot of sympathy. We see how hard they work. We see how much they work. </p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p></p>\n<p>--nat-- </p>\n<p></p>\n<p>--track</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>While Maria Lopez says the walk-out is about recognition for challenges like changing diapers on students with autism who often dont want someone to touch them.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>--sot-- 38:05</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>So we have to find a way for us to be able to change them. we have kids that they kick. They bite you.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p><b>--SUPERS</b>--</p>\n<p></p>\n<p><b>--VIDEO SHOWS</b>--</p>\n<p></p>\n<p><b>--VO SCRIPT</b>--</p>\n<p></p>\n<p><b>--LEAD IN</b>--</p>\n<p></p>\n<p><b>--SOT</b>--</p>\n<p></p>\n<p><b>--TAG</b>--</p>\n<p></p>\n<p><b>--REPORTER PKG-AS FOLLOWS</b>--</p>\n<p></p>\n<p><b>-----END-----CNN.SCRIPT-----</b></p>\n<p></p>\n<p><b>--KEYWORD TAGS--</b></p>\n<p>CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENTS EDUCATION TEACHERS WORKERS ALBERTO M. CARVALHO</p>\n<p></p>