Tip Sheets
Wave of expiring teacher contracts is setting up labor fights across California
February 24, 2026
Media Contact
Adam Allington
As teachers in Los Angeles and Oakland move toward potential strikes amid synchronized contract battles across California, labor experts say the disputes could signal a new phase in public-sector union strategy — one that leverages coordinated timing and political pressure to reshape pay, staffing and school funding debates nationwide.
Lee Adler
Senior Extension Associate, Labor and Unions
Lee Adler is an expert on education and academic union issues at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
Adler says:
“Presently there is an odd confluence politically in California, as unions are mostly unified in seeking a one-time billionaires tax state wide, but the governor and some of his legislative allies oppose that tax and it will make for a muddy picture for the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) as often their needs/demands take into account legislative support.
“I do not think that the recent San Francisco strike, settled now with ok gains, will influence the UTLA as they will be driven by their sense of the political winds in LA (mayoral race this year), as well as their assessment how well/bad off California might fiscally be.
“It would seem that the parents would rather not see a strike. But if citizens are well educated about the strike's necessities, there is a chance that parents will support the teachers again. It will be tougher this time, however, because the political climate is just more sour.”
