The first California Teacher Strike was in Richmond in 1965. There have been no strikes in what is now WCCUSD since.

After 10 months and 19 days of negotiations for a new 3 year contract, our district declared impasse over a month ago. Mediation did not go well. The two sticking points are salary and the implementation of our Community Schools state grant. Our salary demands are 10 percent in the first year, 7 percent in the second and COLA in the third. The district proposes 6 percent, 4 percent and a re-opener in the third year, plus a one time payment of 2.5 percent. The district wants to negotiate the implementation of the 32 million dollar Community Schools grant separately in a Memorandum of Understanding. UTR wants the language in the contract where it will be more permanent and enforceable. Also there are disagreements about the role of teachers and parents in the process of implementing Community Schools. 

 By any definition our district is failing its educators and students. Currently there are around 3000 students without a qualified permanent teacher. Between 100 and 200 teachers leave the district every year. Class sizes are maxed out with many combination classes at our elementary schools. Teacher morale is low. Educators are angry and leaving for better pay in neighboring districts. This churn of educators ensures a sub par educational experience for everyone. 

 The district claims that they can not pay for a competitive salary because they don’t have enough ongoing funds. That there are too many strings attached to their income streams. Our union has pointed out many false calculations on their part. We also point out that while the state average paid to educators is 40 percent of a district’s budget, our district pays 32 percent. It is a question of priorities.

 In a strike authorization vote before the winter break with 90 percent of the membership participating, 97.3 percent voted to walk out if needed. If an agreement is not reached, a strike could occur in late February or in March. Already, our members have organized informational picketing, parent/community meetings, demonstrations and two Work to Rule days. All actions have been well attended.

     Eric Swabeck, UTR Executive Board