Urgent: West Contra Costa Schools Face Possible Strike as Negotiations Fail

UPDATE: A possible strike looms over the West Contra Costa Unified School District as contract negotiations reach a critical deadlock. The United Teachers of Richmond and Teamsters Local 856, representing approximately 3,000 employees, have overwhelmingly voted to authorize strikes if their demands for better wages and working conditions are not met.

New reports confirm that a staggering 95% of United Teachers members and 96% of Teamsters have signaled readiness to strike. This urgent development comes as the current contracts for both unions expired on June 30, 2025, and talks have been ongoing since early this year but have stalled significantly.

“Our district needs to prioritize stability for our students, now,” stated Francisco Ortiz, President of the United Teachers of Richmond. The unions are advocating for higher wages, increased staffing, and improved working conditions to better support both staff and students.

In response to the escalating situation, the district has enlisted a third party for mediation and fact-finding. If no agreement is reached post-mediation, the unions will have the legal right to initiate a strike. The financial instability facing the district has raised concerns, yet union members argue that reallocating funds from contracted services could address their demands.

In anticipation of a potential strike, the school trustees held a special meeting where they voted to increase substitute teacher pay to $550 per day, a significant rise from the usual $280. This decision reflects the district’s efforts to prepare for the fallout of a strike, although it has raised concerns among some trustees. Demetrio Gonzalez Hoy, a school trustee, cautioned that such high pay for substitutes might insult full-time teachers and could prolong strike actions.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the strong organization within the union, highlighted by Juanita Flores-Mejia, a sixth-grade teacher at Ford Elementary, who emphasized the solidarity among the members. Meanwhile, Superintendent Cheryl Cotton acknowledged the complexities of managing a strike, describing it as a “challenging situation” that necessitates higher pay for substitutes.

As the situation continues to develop, parents and students are urged to stay informed about potential disruptions to their education. The district is working to secure a fair deal that prioritizes student safety and educational access. The stakes are high, and the community is watching closely as negotiations progress.

Stay tuned for further updates as this critical situation unfolds.