by Israel Johnson and Tristan Anesi // Staff Writers
Carson Complex understands the importance of all who contribute to make our campus life enjoyable. Besides the teachers and administrators, there are plenty of who help create the Colt Love that we are so proud of. These individuals include: custodians, bus drivers, teacher’s assistants, campus aides and cafeteria workers. Without their contribution, our school would not be able to function.
These workers, known as classified staff, were scheduled to strike on Tuesday, May 15 because “after nearly a year of negotiations, LAUSD has not made any significant movement to improve wages and staffing…”, according to a bulletin circulated by affected staff.
Thankfully, the strike was not needed because an agreement was met.
According to campus aid and security presence, Ernie Enesi, “I voted to strike. It’s been over ten years since we [classified] have gotten a raise. I am satisfied with what the settlement was.”
The agreement between the district and staff included a 6% to 8% raise over 2 years, 3% to 4% retroactive pay for the 2017 academic year, $2 million dedicated to improving staff levels, and $400,000 dedicated to training and education opportunities.
“It [would have been] an important strike because it’s something we believe in,” said Lisa Lucinda, cafeteria service worker.
Many of the workers at Carson Complex put in hard work to achieve equality.
“I was a part of the bargaining committee; this was a 15 month process of us bargaining with the district. Right now, we are ratifying it so that it’s accepted and we are encouraging all SEIU, Local 99 members to accept [what’s offered],” said Haydee Malacas-Hart, Parent Community Director.
The results achieved because of their hard work and dedication deserves recognition and praise. Thankfully, many are beginning to appreciate the safety, hot meals, transportation, campus cleanliness and all of the other attributes that these members of our community provide.
“Yes, I am satisfied with the results especially the ‘Me Too Clause’ meaning if other unions get a better deal then we are entitled to the same and the fact that we [Unit G] get arbitration where the final say-so for firing goes to the superintendent and not the principal,” said Mrs. Hart.