L. A. Teachers Fight Cuts in Education Budget

Over 40,000 teachers, United Teachers Los Angeles, (UTLA), sacrificed an hour of their pay to protest the proposed state budget cuts on Friday, June 6, 2008. The hour-long protests were held in front of the schools as students entered the campus and administrators were relegated to supervising children. From elementary through high school students, parents and teachers, and labor supporters wore placards, and distributed flyers to parents, students and commuters. Labor and community support was evident with cars honking, hands waving, and volunteers and students remaining outside with their teachers.

The last time UTLA had an action was 1989, where teachers were on strike for 2 weeks. Today’s actions went beyond the union’s expectations where over 75% of teachers did not report for work, and other school support staff, who were not authorized to stay out, remained outside in a show of solidarity.

The action was in reaction to proposed budget cuts by the state, which does not include a cost-of-living increase for teachers, and contains cuts to many programs through out the schools. According to Los Angeles Unified School District, (LAUSD) these state budget cuts will mean a $353 million dollar short fall. Because of the cuts LAUSD has said that 6,500 probationary teachers will be laid off, an action UTLA has vowed to fight.

While LAUSD Superintendent Brewer was unsuccessful in his attempt to get a restraining order against the protest, a smear, telephone campaign was implemented by in an attempt to discredit the union’s action. According to UTLA President A.J. Duffy, “If he, (Brewer) was standing next to me, then no Legislature, no governor would try to take the kind of cuts out of education that they’re talking about.” (LA Times).

Scare tactics were also used, citing students’ safety was at risk, however, no incidents or injuries were reported during the stay out. Instead, many older students remained outside independently or with parents to protest, and younger children were cooperative and concerned inside the campuses. Many students complained later that they were bored and missed their teachers. The large turn out, and positive reports, demonstrate that the action, and future actions if necessary, will be well supported and attended.

While schools throughout the LA area and the country are in dire need of funds to improve student achievement the continued attack on the public education is just an indication that public education is not a priority to any administration from Sacramento, to Washington, D.C. To slash education, from simple items such as pencils, and books, to after school tutoring, and technology, from the most vulnerable of individuals, children, is shameful, and does indeed leave every child left behind. UTLA is a united- front that will stand at the vanguard and protect public education and the rights of teachers, and other labor as they fight for a decent wage, and job security.