Urgent Strike Vote: West Contra Costa Unified Teachers Demand Action

UPDATE: Tensions rise as the West Contra Costa Unified School District faces the imminent threat of a teacher and staff strike. The United Teachers of Richmond and Teamsters Local 856, representing approximately 3,000 employees, have overwhelmingly authorized strikes following stalled contract negotiations.

In a decisive move, 95% of teachers and 96% of Teamsters members voted in favor of potential strike action, demanding higher wages, increased staffing, and improved working conditions. This critical vote underscores the urgency of the situation, as employees ranging from classroom educators to maintenance staff prepare for possible walkouts.

“Our district needs to prioritize stability for our students, now,” stated Francisco Ortiz, President of the United Teachers of Richmond. The current contracts for both unions expired on June 30, 2023, and negotiations have been stalled since early 2025. In response to the impasse, the district has enlisted a third party for mediation and fact-finding. If no agreement emerges, unions will gain the legal right to strike.

The financial landscape of the district adds complexity to the negotiations. While the district grapples with fiscal instability, union members contend that reallocating spending from contracted services could provide necessary funds to meet their demands.

In anticipation of a strike, the district’s trustees have voted to increase substitute teacher pay to $550 per day, a significant jump from the regular $280. This decision aims to ensure adequate coverage during any potential strike, although it has sparked concerns among some trustees.

Demetrio Gonzalez Hoy, a trustee of the district, cautioned that such a high pay rate for substitutes might be perceived as an insult to full-time teachers and could prolong strike actions. Meanwhile, Juanita Flores-Mejia, a sixth-grade teacher at Ford Elementary, emphasized the strong organization within the union that led to the overwhelming strike authorization vote.

The district is keen on avoiding disruptions that could harm student safety and educational access. Superintendent Cheryl Cotton acknowledged the challenging nature of substituting during a strike, justifying the boosted pay rate. However, this stance has drawn mixed reactions among trustees.

As the situation develops, the urgency for resolution intensifies. Both sides are under pressure to find common ground, with the potential strike looming large over the educational community. Parents, students, and staff are left anxiously awaiting news, as the impact of these negotiations could ripple through the entire district.

Stay tuned for updates as this situation unfolds, with implications not only for the teachers and staff but for the educational experience of thousands of students in the West Contra Costa Unified School District.