The unstoppable power of solidarity was on full display this morning as union educators, their students and families brought inspiring energy to the picket lines on the second day of the strike at El Camino Real Charter (ECR) High School in Los Angeles.

More than 135 United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) members, students, parents and supporters walked the line today with the call for charter management to negotiate a fair contract that prioritizes equity, respect, equality and dignity for educators, their students and parents, and the school they love. ECR science teacher Rosie Montague said it’s frustrating that ECR’s board and management have refused to listen to educators and do what’s right for their students.

“We know with certainty that we need a fair contract and respect,” Montague said this morning. “Our concerns have fallen on deaf ears, and it’s gotten to the point where we are out here sacrificing our pay to do what is right for our families … we want what’s best for our students and our school.”

ECR English teacher and UTLA member Heidi Maury said being out on strike with her fellow educators in support of each other and the ECR community means everything to her, especially after walking the line as a child with her teacher parents during the 1989 strike.

“I stand here for my parents, who were both UTLA reps,” Maury said. “ I will never cross a picket line because I believe in educators’ rights and all of us who work tirelessly every day for our students.”

After a failed mediation process and working without a contract since July 2024, more than 130 members of ECR UTLA hit the picket lines Monday morning in a fight for the school, support and resources their students deserve. ECR’s school board and administration continues to fail students and the school community, who are crying out for leadership, respect and support for the educators who make ECR a special place.

Teaching and learning conditions continue to be an issue at ECR — there were more students per teacher at the school than any other similar size charter high school in the San Fernando Valley in the 2023-24 school year, and the school’s average student-to-teacher ratio is 20 percent higher than comparable schools. Despite this understaffing, the ECR board recently approved potential cuts of 44 credentialed educator positions, including nine in special education – while approving a retroactive raise for administrators at the same meeting.

ECR English teacher Laura Casares said the strike is about doing what’s right for students, and educators are ready to stay on strike as long as is necessary for them.

“It’s exciting and scary but totally worth it because we have the best kids ever and they deserve the best teachers,” she said. “We deserve a pay raise and we’re ready to do what it takes to get there.”

Take action to support ECR educators by sending a letter to the ECR Board of Directors and calling on them to settle a fair contract and end this strike now.

Follow the ongoing struggle on Instagram at @ecrutla.