More than 130 united educators at El Camino Real Charter High School in Los Angeles are on strike today, fighting for a fair contract that prioritizes equality, equity, respect and dignity for educators, students and the school.

After a failed mediation process and working without a contract since July 2024, these United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) members hit the picket lines this morning in a fight for the school, support and resources their students deserve. El Camino Real (ECR) special education teacher and UTLA chapter chair Carlos Monroy said the school board and administration continue to fail the students, educators and the school community.

“This isn’t just about a fair contract—it’s about respect, dignity, and the quality education our students deserve. A strong contract isn’t just for educators; it’s a commitment to students and their futures,” Monroy said. “The administration and board promised to prioritize their success, yet after months of inaction, they’ve failed to follow through. Instead of investing in the educators who make learning possible, they’ve let our community down and pushed our school to the brink.”

There were more students per teacher at ECR 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. These decisions undermine the school’s integrity.

“If my colleagues and I want to have a sustainable future in education, we have no choice but to fight for the contract we deserve, regardless of the threats made against our positions at El Camino,” said Science teacher Daniel Zatarain, vice chair of the UTLA ECR bargaining team. “We show up every day to ensure our students get the education they need. It’s disgraceful that ECR’s administration is driving contract negotiations to a breaking point, instead of valuing the educators who make this school run.”

The picket lines were packed today with educators, students, parents and other supporters. ECR parent Talisa said educators there made her daughter feel welcome when she arrived at the school, and she vowed to stand united with them.

“Until a fair contract is reached, my daughter and I will be right there beside them, standing up for the educators who have given so much to their students,” she said.

ECR resource specialist Christopher Howell said this fight is about dignity.

“We deserve a living wage instead of worrying about fighting to survive, paycheck to paycheck,” he said. “It’s about our peace of mind so that we can give the most that we have to our students, and it’s about community because I would do anything for any of my fellow educators.”

Monroy said educators are committed to each other and their students to be out on the picket line as long as it takes.

“They can’t have a school without us,” he said, “but the fact that the administration is unwilling to see that shows and demonstrates their lack of compassion, empathy and value for us.”