RICHMOND — West Contra Costa County educators say they’re nonetheless gearing up for a strike regardless of the discharge of a state report meant to assist transfer the academics union and district directors nearer to a brand new contract.
United Academics of Richmond, which represents about 1,400 educators throughout dozens of campuses, alerted district management that the union plans to start its strike Thursday. Picketing will start at each campus 45 minutes earlier than the primary bell sounds, the union introduced in a press launch Monday night.
“Striking is the last resort — we want to teach. But we know this truth: the status quo is failing our students,” learn the press launch set out by union President Francisco Ortiz. “This is about our students’ futures — nothing less.”
For practically 10 months, bargaining groups for the West Contra Costa Unified College District and the United Academics of Richmond have gone backwards and forwards about key contract points reminiscent of pay, healthcare advantages, class sizes and dealing situations.
A shaky monetary footing prevents the district from providing extra, directors say. The union counters that funding spent on outsourcing providers might and ought to be redirected to assist meet their calls for.
Each events have legitimate considerations, in line with the report written by arbitrator David Handsher and shared by the California Academics Affiliation on Nov. 29.
Whereas the union has requested for a ten% elevate over two years and the district countered with a one-time 2% elevate again paid to July 1 and one other 1% added firstly of 2026, Handsher beneficial a 6% elevate damaged down into three components. Handsher additionally beneficial the district enhance its healthcare contribution from the present 80% to 85% starting Jan. 1, 2026, with one other 5% added firstly of 2027.
“Little would be gained by pushing the district to jeopardize its financial stability by overly ambitious immediate action. A long term, continuing effort by the district to compensate teachers and others in the bargaining unit to the maximum extent possible is needed to provide for an educational system that the community wants and deserves,” learn the report.
The report additionally beneficial onerous caps for bodily schooling courses and speech pathologist case masses, extra skilled growth applications to assist deal with staffing and a survey of campuses to establish the place classroom temperatures should be addressed.
The union and district aren’t required to undertake the suggestions put ahead within the report. Their written responses, by which either side took situation with sure findings, had been additionally shared by the California Academics Affiliation.
After agreeing to make greater than $32 million in price range reductions over a interval of about three years, the district argued that tens of millions extra in cuts could be wanted in the event that they agreed to the report suggestions. Some parts of the suggestions, together with efforts to enhance classroom temperatures and enhance the employers contribution to healthcare, had been added to the district’s newest provide, in line with a replica shared by the union.
In the meantime, the union argues that the suggestions don’t go far sufficient to handle what educators have described as a critical disaster impacting college students and workers alike. Plans to strike had been shifting ahead by Monday night after assembly with the district at 3:30 p.m. to obtain their newest provide, the union stated.
“Some of the mediator’s recommendations are a step in the right direction, but they alone will not solve our staffing crisis. Our educators and our students cannot continue to wait on temporary fixes and incremental changes,” Ortiz stated in a Monday morning press launch. “We need an end to this staffing crisis now. We will do whatever it takes to ensure our classrooms and special education services are fully staffed, and our students are getting the education they deserve.”
Superintendent Cheryl Cotton stated in a video assertion that she couldn’t remark straight on the report till it’s formally launched to the general public. That can occur after the district and the union meet once more to debate whether or not report suggestions may also help type a brand new settlement, Cotton stated.
Nonetheless, Cotton stated she’s heard the frustrations workers have shared about pay, well being care advantages, particular schooling and staffing ranges.
“I am still clinging to hope that we can avoid a strike,” Cotton stated Monday morning earlier than the choice to strike was made. “As a parent, I know that our families are counting on us to resolve the issues and reach an agreement without interrupting our children’ s learning. As a former teacher, elementary school principal, deputy state superintendent and now your superintendent, I know our employees are dedicated, compassionate, and that they want to be at work serving students. It’s our goal to help make that happen.”
As soon as a strike does go into impact, Cotton stated all campuses will stay open, although some particular schooling providers may very well be diminished or suspended. AC Transit has not alerted the district to any adjustments in bus routes however have stated bus drivers could select to not choose up or drop off college students at stops if unsafe because of the strike, Cotton stated.
Meals shall be obtainable for pickup for absent college students and households can enroll their little one in impartial examine in the event that they select to maintain them house in the course of the strike, Cotton added.
“We know our children and families count on our schools to be open, count on the breakfast and lunch our schools serve everyday and count on a safe learning environment,” Cotton stated. “Schools will be open and meals will be served.”
