The Long Beach Unified School District and the union that represents 3,000 classified workers have begun state-mediated fact-finding sessions, the latest phase of a protracted labor dispute largely over pay.

The district and the local chapter of the California School Employees Association—which represents nutrition workers, bus drivers, custodians and others—have been trying to negotiate a new contract for almost two years. The two sides are still far apart on an agreement, and the union has recently threatened to strike.

The two sides entered into state mediation in October, but it was fruitless. This week, the sides will participate in a state-mediated fact-finding session with the Public Employment Relations Board, where both sides have a chance to lay out their financials and proposals in the hopes of bridging the impasse.

Neither side has posted a bargaining update yet except to acknowledge that the session has begun.

“During the fact-finding stage, CSEA and LBUSD will present evidence to a panel consisting of one person selected by each party and a mutually agreed upon chairperson,” said LBUSD spokesperson Chris Eftychiou. “The panel will then coordinate and review all relevant evidence, and then will issue findings and make recommendations based on criteria outlined in the Government Code.

“Beyond that, we’ll reserve further comment while we allow the formal process to move forward.”

The biggest difference between the two sides is over pay, with the district offering the same 3% raise given to the Teachers Association of Long Beach and the CSEA demanding a 7% raise, citing increased cost of living for its typically lower-wage workers.