Miller Brown & Dannis Represents Los Angeles Unified School District in Reaching Contract Agreement with UTLA

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Los Angeles, CA (PRWeb) February 28, 2007 -- The labor negotiators at Miller Brown & Dannis (MBD) focus on finding solutions first. That's why MBD attorney Gregory J. Dannis, primary spokesperson at the bargaining table for Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), approached recent district-union talks with the goal of finding common ground for settling a new contract. Armed with the knowledge and experience of 26 years negotiating in public schools throughout California, Dannis helped to guide LAUSD in finding a joint platform upon which discussions could progress and agreement ensue, thereby heading off a threatened United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA) strike.

"UTLA came to the table with class-size reduction on their agenda and with the guidance of the Board of Education and Superintendent, we quickly elevated it to a joint issue of primary importance," said Dannis, MBD Shareholder and President of the firm. "I believe our ability to move forward together, with like minds, concerning the critical need for smaller class sizes, impacted the union's willingness to reduce their initial salary demands to a point at which we could stretch to reach settlement."

The settlement came on the eve of a strike authorization vote and ended months of increasing union pressure on the District. The new contract includes gradual class-size reduction over a three-year period. The salary increase applies only to the current school year, which means Dannis will be back at the bargaining table in six to eight weeks addressing next year's pay package.

Commenting on how this agreement may affect negotiations in other school districts, Dannis says, "Though the scale is incredibly different because it's Los Angeles and we're talking about the second largest teachers' union in the country, once you're in the negotiations room, they're the same basic issues that every district shares.

"LAUSD chose MBD because of the depth and breadth of experience we bring to every case. Our comprehensive education practice gives us unparalleled exposure to a myriad of statewide issues unmatched by other firms. If it's happening in California education law, Miller Brown & Dannis is likely involved, providing effective guidance to help prevent disputes from escalating into more costly legal confrontations."

About Miller Brown & Dannis
Founded in 1978, Miller Brown & Dannis is a full-service education law firm, exclusively serving California. Representing numerous school districts, community college districts and county offices of education, MBD is recognized throughout California as a firm that applies creative, proactive, in-depth advice and strategies to achieve cost-effective results on behalf of its clients. For more information on MBD's areas of expertise, including Labor, Employment and Personnel, Business and Property, Construction, Special Education, Student Issues, Charter Schools, and Litigation, please visit http://www.mbdlaw.com.

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