LAUSD Superintendent works to prevent looming strike.

LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho is urging SEIU Local 99 to return to the bargaining table to avoid a planned three-day strike starting Tuesday. The union, which represents 30,000 bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and other employees, is seeking a 30% wage increase over a multiyear contract. Carvalho disputed the union's claim that the district has $4.9 billion in reserves and said the district has made "powerful proposals" with compensation levels that exceed state and local averages, plus improved hours and benefits. If a strike does happen, the district is prepared to support families by distributing food at dozens of sites across the community and providing parents with packets to help their children do schoolwork at home.