Educators in the West Contra Costa Unified School District are gearing up for a potential strike as contract negotiations have stalled. After eight months of discussions, a significant majority of educators represented by the United Teachers of Richmond are ready to take action to secure better pay, benefits, and improved services for students. They are advocating for a 10% raise over two years, along with full employer-paid health care and enhancements in class sizes and special education.
The district’s counteroffer includes only a 2% raise and 85% employer-paid health care. “The more aligned we are, the more the community is here with us, the faster our strike will be, the sooner it will end,” stated Sandrine Demathieu, a teacher at Nystrom Elementary School. This sentiment resonates with many educators, with 98% of union members voting in favor of a strike if necessary, following the expiration of their contract on June 30, 2023.
Demathieu and her colleague, Masa Peterson, joined fellow educators and community members in October to prepare materials for the strike. They expressed their commitment to education and their concerns about high vacancy rates and turnover, highlighting the sacrifices teachers make compared to more lucrative career options. Peterson emphasized the long-term impact of their work, saying, “Me teaching a student how to read impacts the rest of their life.”
In a statement on social media dated November 20, 2023, district Trustee Demetrio Gonzalez-Hoy acknowledged the educators’ goals while noting the district’s ongoing fiscal challenges. He cited inadequate state funding, budget cuts, and rising costs for special education as contributing factors. Gonzalez-Hoy called for community collaboration to find solutions, advocating for a fair contract that honors educators and strengthens the district.
A report by Private Equity Stakeholder Action, released on November 18, 2023, revealed that the district’s spending on outside contracts had increased dramatically from $59 million to $117 million over the past five years. This rise in expenses has not translated into better services, particularly for special needs students, leading to fewer one-on-one hours with educators.
Concerns about fiscal stability have been echoed by Marcus Walton, spokesperson for the Contra Costa County Office of Education. Although he was not familiar with the report, Walton stated that the district has struggled to hire necessary staff to deliver quality services. “The district made decisions it deemed best for its community at the time,” he explained.
During a Board of Education meeting on November 19, 2023, Superintendent Cheryl Cotton acknowledged the issues tied to contracts, indicating a need to review and reduce expenditures. Cotton expressed her commitment to supporting educators and categorized the path forward as involving “hard work” and collaboration.
The situation escalated as the district’s two unions, including United Teachers of Richmond and Teamsters Local Union 856, participated in a state panel hearing. This hearing is expected to produce a nonbinding report with recommendations for both parties. Should an agreement not be reached, the unions will have the legal right to strike.
District spokesperson Raechelle Forrest reiterated the district’s commitment to reaching a resolution, stating, “We are committed to continuing these discussions into next week and through the break — whatever it takes — to try to reach a fair resolution and avert a strike that would only hurt our students.”
While the district and Teamsters have tentatively agreed to a single 3% raise for union members, United Teachers of Richmond remains skeptical. Their members fear that the gap between their demands and the district’s offer may not close sufficiently to avoid a strike. Union president Francisco Ortiz warned that a strike could commence as early as December 3, 2023.
For families, the potential strike could disrupt normal school operations, with students possibly being relocated to different campuses or supervised in large groups. Some parents have indicated plans to keep their children home in solidarity with the educators. In response to the situation, trustees have approved an increase in substitute teacher pay to $550 per day for those crossing the picket line, a move that has further inflamed tensions among educators.
To support families who rely on school meals, the union has compiled a list of local food banks. They are also exploring partnerships with community organizations to provide necessary services during a strike, though specific details remain undisclosed.
As the situation develops, the future of education in West Contra Costa County hangs in the balance, with educators determined to advocate for their rights and the needs of their students.
