Los Angeles School District Administrators Unite with Teamsters to Empower Workers' Rights

Three Thousand Los Angeles Unified School District Administrators Join Teamsters

In a decisive and unified action, members of the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA) have voted overwhelmingly to affiliate with Teamsters Local 2010. This monumental decision affects around 3,000 administrators who work across various capacities within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), including principals, assistant principals, and school support administrators.

Strengthening Workers’ Rights

Jason Rabinowitz, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 2010, expressed his enthusiasm about this new partnership, emphasizing that it would not only bolster the union itself but would also empower the new union members from AALA. He believes that by joining forces, they can collectively advocate for fair wages, better working conditions, and a manageable workload. The affiliation comes at a critical time as contract negotiations with LAUSD are set to begin in January 2025.

Maria Nichols, President of AALA, had previously committed to addressing the root causes of increased workloads and long working hours within the organization. Citing the need for effective solutions, she believed that aligning with a powerful union was a strategic path forward. “Students cannot make significant gains when school leaders are overwhelmed with time-sensitive tasks that detract from our instructional goals,” she stated.

Advocating for Change

Nichols also acknowledged that administrators have been compelled to work extended hours, including weekends, without additional compensation. This situation has been untenable for many, leading to a collective desire for change. Gaining leverage through the Teamsters presents an opportunity to negotiate better terms and conditions of employment.

Assistant Principal Julio Melara highlighted the importance of ensuring that the district engages in good faith negotiations. He articulated a hope that LAUSD values its administrators and recognizes their substantial contributions to the second-largest school district in the nation. “We hope that investing in staff resonates true,” Melara stated, reflecting a common sentiment among his peers.

The Value of Union Affiliation

This affiliation marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for workers' rights within the education sector in California. Teamsters Local 2010 is known for its robust advocacy, and its track record in securing favorable outcomes for its members suggests that this newest addition will strengthen its existing initiatives and provide much-needed support to AALA members. With 23,000 workers under its umbrella in California's higher education landscape, including various clerical and skilled trades workers, Local 2010 is positioned as one of the fastest-growing unions in the country.

As the school administrators prepare for negotiations, their collective voice is now amplified through this partnership with the Teamsters. Their goal is clear: to ensure that the district respects their contributions and engages in meaningful discussions about workload and compensation.

The future of this newly formed alliance looks promising, as AALA members are motivated to advocate for their rights, improve work conditions, and ultimately enhance the educational landscape for their students in Los Angeles. The next chapter for the administrators of LAUSD unfolds with a blend of hope and determination, cementing a commitment to unity and worker empowerment in the educational framework of California.

For more information about Teamsters Local 2010, visit teamsters2010.org.