West Contra Costa Educators Prepare for Strike Over Contract Dispute

RICHMOND — Educators in the West Contra Costa Unified School District are set to strike on March 14, 2024, after contract negotiations reached an impasse. The United Teachers of Richmond announced that picket lines will form outside all district campuses, beginning 45 minutes before the first bell. Approximately 1,400 teachers are expected to participate in the strike, following a vote in which 98% of union members supported the action over contract disputes they deem unfair.

Francisco Ortiz, President of the United Teachers of Richmond, stated, “Striking is the last resort — we want to teach. But we know this truth: The status quo is failing our students.” Despite the planned strike, the district’s Superintendent, Cheryl Cotton, confirmed that schools will remain open to welcome students.

In response to the strike’s likelihood, district trustees have approved a temporary increase in substitute teacher pay from $250 to $550 per day. Cotton, who has been in her role for six months, expressed disappointment about the strike and acknowledged the challenges teachers face, including staffing shortages and inadequate support for students, particularly those with special needs. She remarked, “But a strike will not fix these problems.”

The union is legally permitted to strike following the completion of a nonbinding fact-finding report. This report was prepared by a mediator appointed by the California Public Employment Relations Board, which oversees employer-employee relations in the public sector. The report recommended a 6% salary increase over two years and proposed raising the district’s health care contributions from 80% to 90%.

Negotiations between the district and the union have been ongoing for nearly ten months. The union is advocating for a 10% salary increase over two years, full employer funding for health care, smaller class sizes, and improved campus conditions. The district’s last offer included a 3% raise and accepted the recommendation for health care contributions but fell short of the union’s demands.

The district has already committed to cutting approximately $33 million from its budget over the next three years to ensure fiscal responsibility and maintain local control. When asked for details about potential budget cuts, district representatives did not provide immediate comments.

Union members argue that reducing spending on outside contracts could free up funds to meet their demands. They assert that competitive wages are critical for attracting and retaining quality teachers in a district often perceived as a training ground for new educators. The district began the school year with 70 vacant teaching positions, which has left many students, especially those with special needs, without necessary support services.

Demetrio Gonzalez-Hoy, a trustee and former educator in the district, expressed his disappointment regarding the stalled negotiations, stating that both students and educators “deserve better.” Gonzalez-Hoy affirmed his support for the teachers, emphasizing the importance of their fight for better conditions.

Trustee Guadalupe Enllana Avalos echoed similar sentiments in a social media statement, expressing hope that ongoing negotiations would yield progress. She underscored the necessity of advocating for students’ futures and ensuring they receive a quality education.

During the strike, school meals will still be available for students who are absent. Parents and guardians picking up lunches are asked to provide their child’s name or ID number. Additionally, families may enroll their children in independent study programs during the strike period.

As this situation develops, the impact on both educators and students in the West Contra Costa Unified School District will be closely monitored. The outcome of this strike could significantly influence the future of educational conditions within the district.