UPDATE: West Contra Costa Unified School District faces an imminent crisis as teachers and staff prepare for potential strikes over stalled contract negotiations. The United Teachers of Richmond and Teamsters Local 856, representing approximately 3,000 employees, have overwhelmingly voted—95% and 96% respectively—to authorize strikes if their demands for higher wages and improved working conditions are not met.
The current contracts expired on June 30, and negotiations that began in early 2025 have reached an impasse. The district has now resorted to third-party mediation, but if no agreement is achieved, the unions will be legally poised to initiate strikes.
In a clear signal of their readiness, 98% of the United Teachers endorsed the strike option, highlighting the frustration among educators who have been working without a contract. “Our district needs to prioritize stability for our students, now,” stated Francisco Ortiz, President of the United Teachers of Richmond, in a recent press release.
The district is also grappling with fiscal challenges, yet union members argue that reallocating funds currently spent on contracted services could help meet their salary demands. In anticipation of possible walkouts, district trustees convened a special meeting to approve a substantial increase in substitute teacher pay to $550 per day, up from the usual $280.
However, this decision has sparked debate. Demetrio Gonzalez Hoy, a trustee, cautioned against setting such a high rate for substitutes, warning it could prolong the strike by angering full-time teachers. Meanwhile, sixth-grade teacher Juanita Flores-Mejia emphasized the union’s strong organization, which played a critical role in mobilizing the recent vote.
District representatives are keen to avoid a strike, as they aim to maintain student safety and educational access. Superintendent Cheryl Cotton remarked on the challenges of managing substitutes during a strike and defended the increased pay rate, which received mixed reactions from the board.
As this situation rapidly unfolds, the community watches closely. Parents, students, and educators are all feeling the weight of uncertainty as negotiations continue. The urgency for a resolution has never been more pressing—both for district leadership and for the dedicated staff who are at risk of walking away from their classrooms.
What happens next will hinge on the effectiveness of mediation efforts and the district’s willingness to address the unions’ demands. Stakeholders are urged to stay tuned for developments, as the potential for a strike looms large over West Contra Costa Unified School District.
