Berkeley teachers rally at school board for new contract, better working conditions

"About a hundred Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) teachers and staff packed the boardroom on Wednesday, demanding a new labor contract with higher pay, better benefits, and full compensation for extra work performed to reduce employee turnover. Educators represented by the Berkeley Federation of Teachers began the school year on an expired labor contract, which was ratified in 2022 and ended on June 30."

"Members of the Service Employees International Union Local 1021, which represents a variety of city workers, and the Berkeley Council of Classified Employees (BCCE), whose members include clerical and admin staff, custodians, special education instructors and other non-classified BUSD employees, were also in attendance to support better working conditions. The district knew since 2022 that our contract would be open this year, so we're a little confused why the district hasn't planned ahead, Berkeley Federation of Teachers President Matt Meyer told the school board."

"Teachers working under an expired contract can expect the same wages, benefits and working conditions from the previous contract while negotiations continue. School districts generally cannot make significant changes before a new agreement is reached. Union staff, however, can strike if certain conditions are met, such as mediation efforts failing, according to the California Teachers Association. It is uncertain whether BUSD teachers will strike in the near future."

About a hundred Berkeley Unified School District teachers and staff attended a school board meeting to demand a new labor contract offering higher wages, improved benefits, and full compensation for extra work to reduce turnover. Educators represented by the Berkeley Federation of Teachers began the school year under an expired contract that was ratified in 2022 and ended June 30. Service Employees International Union Local 1021 members and Berkeley Council of Classified Employees members attended in support. The district acknowledged the lack of a current contract while noting that employees under expired contracts retain prior wages and benefits during negotiations and that strike options exist under specific conditions.

Read at www.berkeleyside.org