West Contra Costa Schools Face Potential Strikes as Unions Mobilize
Negotiations between the West Contra Costa Unified School District and its employees have reached a critical juncture. Two unions representing approximately 3,000 district staff, including teachers, education specialists, and maintenance workers, have voted overwhelmingly to authorize strikes if their demands are not met. More than 95% of members from the United Teachers of Richmond and Teamsters Local 856 supported the strike authorization in recent votes, signaling a strong willingness to walk off the job should negotiations fail.
The contracts for both unions expired on June 30, 2025, following negotiations that began earlier in the year. Sticking points in these discussions have led to impasses, prompting the need for third-party mediation. Once this process concludes, the unions will be legally positioned to initiate a strike if necessary. Union leaders are advocating for better pay, increased staffing levels, and improved working conditions, all critical factors in enhancing the educational environment for students.
“Our district needs to prioritize stability for our students, now,” stated Francisco Ortiz, President of the United Teachers of Richmond. He emphasized the commitment of union members to secure the necessary resources for fully staffed classrooms. The ongoing negotiations occur against a backdrop of financial instability for the district, which has faced significant budget cuts in recent years to maintain local control.
Union representatives argue that the district has the capacity to meet their demands, particularly by reallocating funds currently spent on contracted services. “Teamsters are the backbone of the West Contra Costa Unified School District and should be treated as such,” said Peter Finn, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 856. He underscored the essential services that workers provide to students and families, asserting that they will not accept less than what they deserve. Finn described striking as a last resort but indicated that the union feels cornered by the district’s actions.
As negotiations continue, district leadership is preparing for the possibility of a strike. During a special meeting, trustees voted 4-1 to increase pay for substitute teachers to $550 per day in the event of a strike, with the superintendent authorized to pursue legal action should the board be unable to convene within 24 hours to address the situation. Superintendent Cheryl Cotton argued that the increased pay is necessary to ensure that students have access to a safe and educational environment, despite the challenges that may arise for those crossing picket lines.
Cotton proposed an even higher rate of $750 per day for substitutes, citing similar strategies employed by other districts during strikes. Currently, substitute teachers receive about $280 daily. Trustee Demetrio Gonzalez Hoy, the only dissenting vote on the proposed pay increase, raised concerns that such a significant increase could be perceived as an attempt to undermine union efforts and could potentially prolong a strike.
While the district’s actions are framed as necessary precautions, union leaders maintain that their demands are fundamentally about providing a better educational experience for students. “Instead of offering astronomical substitute rates, or spending on expensive outside contractors, our district should be prioritizing our students and classrooms,” Ortiz remarked. He reiterated the unions’ stance that striking is not the desired outcome but emphasized their readiness to advocate for their community’s needs.
With the situation evolving, the focus remains on finding a resolution that addresses the concerns of staff while ensuring that students continue to receive the quality education they deserve. The coming weeks will be crucial as both sides navigate these contentious negotiations, with the potential for significant disruptions looming if an agreement is not reached.
