Los Angeles school workers approve labor deal after last month’s strike

Agreement will increase wages by 30%, provide a $1,000 Covid bonus and expand family healthcare benefits

Los Angeles unified school district workers have approved a labor deal after a three-day strike last month over wages and staffing that halted education for students in one of the nation’s largest school systems.

The agreement, which was voted on this week, would increase wages by 30% for workers who are paid an average of $25,000 a year, the Local 99 chapter of the Service Employees International Union – or SEIU – said on Saturday. It also includes a $1,000 bonus for employees who worked during the Covid-19 pandemic and expanded family healthcare benefits.