Immigrant parents fear staff strike after LAUSD approves layoff notices amid $877 million deficit

Parents and advocates around Los Angeles are reacting to a potential staff strike following a Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education’s decision to send out layoff notices to thousands of employees to address an $877 million deficit. 

Immigrant advocates and parents said that another strike would put many disadvantaged and underrepresented students further behind. 

On February 17, a packed room of students, educators and community members came together to voice concerns over the motion, which passed in a 4-3 vote. 

The approved item calls for position closures within the district’s Central Office and other centrally funded positions. It also authorizes the district to issue reduction-in-force notices ahead of the state’s March 15 deadline, which requires districts to notify employees who may be laid off by the end of the school year.

While layoffs are concerning, immigrant parents and advocates are especially afraid of a potential strike. 

“Parents are primarily concerned about a strike,” said Evelyn Aleman, founder and CEO of Our Voice: Communities for Quality Education, who also works with Latino and indigenous immigrant families across Los Angeles County. “A strike means that children won't have teachers potentially or in this case, that the services they receive at a school will be impacted.” 

Aleman told CALÓ News that roughly 50 parent leaders are a part of her organization. They represent families employed in the informal economy such as street vendors, day laborers and domestic workers, who depend heavily on schools for stability.

“Every morning, parents tell me it is a challenge,” Aleman said. “Children are afraid. School is a safe haven, especially right now with families who have been affected by COVID, been affected by the fires, and been affected by ICE.

During a recent Our Voice weekly meeting, one mother of two, identified as RM, shared her fears about another work stoppage.

“I am not ok with another strike. I have two daughters who are in special education. We are making good progress. The last strike they fell behind. The children are affected directly. It seems cruel to us, especially with ICE and everything that is happening.”   

Other parents also said interruptions in instruction can have lasting effects, especially on students who receive special education services, English learner support and school meals.

For many immigrant families already navigating economic instability and fear of immigration enforcement, advocates say the stakes feel especially high.

While early estimates saw thousands of layoffs, district officials indicated during the board meeting that approximately 657 positions are currently under consideration. Final decisions may not be made until later in the year.