Greetings Sisters and Brothers,
The start of the 2026–2027 school year has arrived in the blink of an eye. I hope each of you had an opportunity to rest and recharge over the summer. As we begin another school year, I know each and every one of you is ready to give your all to the students, families, and communities we proudly serve.
I also know this year begins with significant challenges. Reduced budgets, staffing shortages, and limited resources continue to place increasing demands on administrators. Despite these realities, your commitment, professionalism, and resilience never waver. Please know that your Executive Board and I are already advocating for improved and sustainable working conditions because you deserve the respect, resources, and support necessary to do your jobs effectively.
While we secured important victories through our last round of negotiations, we are entering a period of fiscal uncertainty that the District must address responsibly. I remain hopeful that, through our continued collaboration with our labor partners and District leadership, we can ensure that the voices of educational leaders are heard—not only locally, but also in Sacramento. We have accomplished great things by standing together, and I firmly believe our greatest successes are still ahead of us.
Dues, Dues, Dues
Every one of us understands the importance of protection. We carry health insurance, auto insurance, homeowners insurance, and earthquake or fire insurance—not because we expect something to happen, but because we know how important it is to be protected if it does.
Your union provides that same protection.
Many members will spend an entire career without ever needing to call AALA. Others may reach out from time to time, and some may need us during one of the most difficult moments of their professional lives. Regardless of when or why that call comes, AALA has always been there—and we always will be.
Our affiliation with Teamsters Local 2010 has dramatically expanded the protections available to every member. Today, any member facing dismissal, suspension, or a threat to their credential has access to experienced legal representation at no cost. Members are also covered by $1 million in professional liability insurance for claims arising from actions taken in the course of District employment, again with no out-of-pocket expense.
These protections are not theoretical—they are real, meaningful benefits that safeguard your career, your livelihood, and your future.
As you review the salary increase and retroactive pay reflected in your September 5 salary warrant, I encourage you to consider the value of everything we achieved together. We fought tirelessly to avoid a strike while securing substantial salary increases, stronger contract language, and enhanced protections for every member.
Those victories did not happen by chance. They happened because we stood together with one voice.
Salary Increases
2025–2026
4% (retroactive to July 1, 2025)
2026–2027
7.65% total
July 1, 2026 – 4%
January 1, 2027 – 3.65%
2027–2028
Contract Reopener
Union Dues
Please review the authorization language contained in the Power Form. By signing, you acknowledge the importance of maintaining a strong union and authorize payroll deduction of dues to support the work of Teamsters Local 2010. Unless revoked during the designated opt-out period, this authorization automatically renews each year.
The next opportunity to opt out will be in May 2028.
Dues Increase Schedule
July 1, 2025: $25 annual increase (monthly dues of $47.08)
July 1, 2026: 0.75% of gross salary
July 1, 2027: 1.00% of gross salary
July 1, 2028: 1.44% of gross salary
I recognize that no one welcomes an increase in dues. However, I ask you to view it as an investment—not simply in an organization, but in your own professional security and in our collective strength.
Every salary increase we negotiate…
Every contractual protection we secure…
Every grievance we pursue…
Every legal defense we provide…
Every member we protect…
…is possible because we stand together and invest in one another.
A strong union is not built by a handful of people. It is built by every member choosing solidarity over uncertainty and collective strength over standing alone.
Standing Strong for Unit J
Since the District first announced reductions in force, AALA Teamsters Local 2010 has fought relentlessly to protect our Unit J members.
Together, we organized a member letter-writing campaign that generated nearly 600 letters opposing the layoffs. We demanded bargaining, repeatedly requested critical information, and challenged the District‘s refusal to disclose where Unit J work would be assigned.
When the layoffs became effective on July 1, our work did not stop—it intensified.
As the District began transferring Unit J work outside the bargaining unit, including assigning it to an unrepresented classification, we immediately organized those employees, received unanimous support for representation, and formally notified the District of our intent to represent them.
We also filed an Unfair Practice Charge with PERB, challenging the District‘s bad-faith bargaining, unlawful transfer of bargaining unit work, and outsourcing of Unit J responsibilities. Through this action, we are fighting to reverse the layoffs, preserve bargaining unit work, protect our members‘ careers, and hold the District accountable.
Our commitment has never been stronger, and neither has our resolve.
Looking Ahead
This Association has never been defined by the obstacles placed before us.
We are defined by how we respond.
Time and again, we have proven that when we stand together, support one another, and remain focused on our shared purpose, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.
There will undoubtedly be difficult conversations in the months ahead. There will be budget discussions, staffing concerns, and decisions that affect our schools and our members. Through it all, your Executive Board and I will continue to advocate with integrity, transparency, and determination.
I ask each of you to remain engaged, remain informed, and remain united.
Our collective voice is powerful.
Our solidarity is our strength.
Our commitment to one another is what makes this Association extraordinary.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication, your leadership, and your service to the students and communities of Los Angeles. It is an honor to serve as your president.
Together, we will continue to protect what we have earned, fight for what we deserve, and build an even stronger future for every member.
In Solidarity,
Maria
President
AALA Teamsters Local 2010
