Dear Members:
Thousands of educators in Los Angeles are preparing to go on strike Monday in what is being described as one of the most important and biggest labor actions of the decade.
Walking off the job takes courage. Going on strike is never an easy decision. As with any strike, solidarity among all unions is critical to success and SAG-AFTRA members stand with our sisters and brothers of United Teachers Los Angeles as these deeply committed educators take action to improve learning conditions in their classrooms and for the future of public education.
Please see the list below of ways you can stand in solidarity, from supportive messages in social media to joining the picket line at SAG-AFTRA’s adopted school, Hollywood High, or at a school near you.
When we stand together, we win!
Strength in unity,
Gabrielle Carteris
National President
Jane Austin
Los Angeles Local President
Here are some ways you can support educators during the strike:
1. Picket at Hollywood High: If you live in the L.A. area, join us at a picket at SAG-AFTRA’s adopted school, Hollywood High (1521 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood), or join a picket line at a school near you. Check sagaftra.org and our social media for times we will rally together. This website www.WeArePublicSchools.org will also let you know picket and rally locations and times throughout the district. Wherever you join a picket line, notify the union rep on site that you’re a member of SAG-AFTRA there to stand with L.A. educators!
2. Social Media: On Friday, in advance of the strike, join education unions in wearing red to support educators. Take a selfie and post to social media. Use the hashtags #strikeready #redfored #UTLAstrong and tag @UTLAnow. Sample social media posts and graphics to show #solidarity with educators are below.
Please amplify the strike by posting on social media that you won’t cross the line! Stand up for public education!
3. Sign a petition to support striking educators! Our sisters and brothers at CTA have set up a petition for us to share messages of support with striking educators at UTLA and the Oakland Education Association, which is also preparing to strike. Please share far and wide so we get as many supportive messages as possible!
4. Stay Informed: For updates on the strike follow @UTLAnow and @ReclaimLASchls
Sample Tweets & Messaging:
- #sagaftramembers stand with LA educators in their fight for a fair contract that benefits educators, students & the community. Support @UTLAnow in their fight for schools our students deserve by joining a picket line here: http://www.wearepublicschools.org/ #UTLAstrong #red4ed
- We’re wearing #Red4Ed to stand in strong #solidarity w/ our sisters & brothers @UTLAnow. Dignity & respect for educators is fundamental to student success! When we stand together, we win! #UTLAstrong
- Students deserve smaller class sizes, counselors, and nurses. Educators deserve dignity and respect on the job. That’s why I’m standing with @UTLAnow. When we fight, we win! #red4ed #UTLAStrong
- We stand with @UTLAnow educators as they fight for a fair contract, smaller class sizes, full & equitable funding to support students, and RESPECT. Their fight is our fight! #Red4Ed #Strikeready #UTLAStrong
Sample graphics for Twitter, Facebook and Instagram here.