WCCUSD says schools will be open as teachers plan Thursday strike

Teachers in the West Contra Costa Unified School District plan to begin striking Thursday after months of failed contract negotiations, even as district officials pledge to keep all schools open.

The United Teachers of Richmond will begin picketing 45 minutes before the first bell at every school site, union President Francisco Ortiz announced this week. The union represents approximately 1,450 teachers, counselors, psychologists, speech pathologists, and early childhood educators.

"We strike for the 2,000+ students currently without a permanent teacher," Ortiz said in a statement. "We strike so educators can afford to stay in our communities."

In a statement, WCCUSD Superintendent Cheryl Cotton said schools would remain open during the strike.

"All schools will remain open. We will provide safe and supportive classrooms, and we will continue to serve meals for students who depend on us." Cotton said. "It will not feel like a normal day, but we will be here for every child who comes to school."

Cotton also asked the community to remember that children are watching and to remain respectful. "Please show them that people can disagree and still treat one another with respect. Whether you are on the picket line or reporting to work, please help us ensure that no student feels uncomfortable or unwelcome at school," Cotton said.

District addresses strike logistics

The district posted a frequently asked questions page addressing strike logistics, warning that striking employees will not be allowed on campus and that student absences during the strike will not be automatically excused.

The district said regular attendance policies will apply during the strike, though parents may enroll students in short-term independent study for up to 15 days. The district also warned employees against encouraging students to walk picket lines, citing California's compulsory education laws.

The district noted that a strike during this period could impact state funding if average daily attendance declines, potentially worsening the district's fiscal situation.

The strike comes after a state-appointed factfinding panel issued recommendations last week that failed to bridge the gap between the two sides. The panel recommended salary increases totaling 6 percent over two years and gradually raising the district's health benefits contribution from 80 percent to 90 percent.

On Monday night the district offered a 3 percent salary increase and adopted the health benefits recommendations, but according To WCCUSD, union leadership rejected the proposal. The union is seeking 10 percent in raises over two years and 100 percent employer-funded health coverage.

"A strike will not fix these problems," Cotton said. "A strike takes teachers out of classrooms, harms relationships, and can make it harder to keep strong educators."

The dispute centers on compensation and working conditions in a district struggling with high teacher turnover and chronic vacancies. According to the factfinding report, nearly 20 percent of the bargaining unit has been with the district five years or less, while enrollment has declined by more than 2,200 students since 2020-2021.

Union members argue their salaries rank in the lower half among Contra Costa County unified school districts, contributing to staffing instability. The district counters that it faces severe budget constraints, with deficit spending of nearly $17 million in the 2024-2025 school year despite state cost-of-living adjustments.

The factfinding panel's chairperson noted both sides agree significant resources are needed to improve learning environments and support teachers, but differ sharply on the district's financial situation and resource allocation.

Richmond City Council approves emergency support

The Richmond City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to allocate up to $50,000 for emergency programming to support families during the strike, with Mayor Eduardo Martinez emphasizing the city's responsibility to help students regardless of the labor dispute.

"Any shift to school routines has real impact on our families," said Martinez, a former West Contra Costa teacher and union member. "Our focus here is simply to make sure that Richmond students and families have the support they need during this period."

The council authorized city staff to identify short-term support options, potentially including extended hours at community centers and partnerships with local nonprofits. City Manager Shasa Curl said staff had already begun coordinating with organizations like YES Nature to Neighborhoods and the RYSE Center to provide safe spaces for students.

Martinez acknowledged families would respond differently to the strike, with some maintaining regular schedules while others might keep children home to observe picket lines.

"Whatever those decisions are, the city should be prepared to offer support," Martinez said.

In a Tuesday evening update, Ortiz announced that Teamsters Local 856 members voted down their own tentative agreement and will join teachers on the picket line.

The district operates 56 schools serving about 26,000 students, with 65 percent designated as socioeconomically disadvantaged and 15 percent with disabilities.

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM - SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Grandview Independent needs your financial support to continue delivering the news that matters to our community. Quality journalism costs money, and we can't do it without readers like you.

SUBSCRIBE NOW and get:
• Unlimited access to all articles
• Newsletters with exclusive content
• The satisfaction of backing independent local news that serves your community

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE - Starting at just $10/month

FOLLOW US FOR BREAKING NEWS:
• Twitter: @GrandviewIndy
• Instagram: @GrandviewIndependent
• Facebook: @Grandview Independent