Tentative agreement reached to end West Contra Costa teachers strike

"The agreement came after a four-day strike and 10 months of bargaining. PREVIOUS: West Contra Costa teachers continue strike amid negotiations over salary raises, other demands The teachers' union said that more than 98% of its members had authorized the strike and have been on the picket lines. That's about 1,500 teachers across 56 schools. The teachers were demanding a 10% pay increase over two years and better benefits. They also have concerns over staffing."

"Now, the California Teachers Association says that the new tentative agreement includes raises that total 8% over two years. There are additional wage increases for special education teachers and hiring bonuses. There's also an increase to a 100% employer-paid family health care benefit that would take effect by June 30th in 2027. Also in the deal are protections for international teachers, including a pathway to permanent residency for educators who are able to get clear credentials."

""This fight was not just about our contract; it was a battle for the future of public education," said union president Francisco Ortiz in a press release. "At a time when there are ongoing attacks on our profession and our communities, we stood strong because we refuse to let our students suffer in under-resourced classrooms." Because negotiations went so far into the morning, classes won't be back to normal until Thursday."

A tentative agreement ended the West Contra Costa teachers' strike after a 12-hour negotiation that finished at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday. The four-day strike involved about 1,500 teachers with over 98% authorizing the action. Teachers sought higher pay, better benefits, and improved staffing. The deal provides 8% total raises over two years, extra pay for special education teachers, hiring bonuses, and a phased move to 100% employer-paid family health care by June 30, 2027. The deal adds protections and a pathway to permanent residency for international teachers, caps certain class sizes at 25, and commits to safer classrooms. The agreement requires union and school board ratification; classes resume Thursday.

Read at ABC7 San Francisco