"For nearly 10 months, bargaining teams for the West Contra Costa Unified School District and the United Teachers of Richmond have gone back and forth about key contract issues such as pay, healthcare benefits, class sizes and working conditions. A shaky financial footing prevents the district from offering more, administrators say. The union counters that funding spent on outsourcing services could and should be redirected to help meet their demands."
"While the union has asked for a 10% raise over two years and the district countered with a one-time 2% raise back paid to July 1 and another 1% added at the start of 2026, Handsher recommended a 6% raise broken down into three parts. Handsher also recommended the district increase its healthcare contribution from the current 80% to 85% beginning Jan. 1, 2026, with another 5% added at the start of 2027."
"Picketing will begin at every campus 45 minutes before the first bell sounds, the union announced in a press release Monday evening. Striking is the last resort we want to teach. But we know this truth: the status quo is failing our students, read the press release set out by union President Francisco Ortiz. This is about our students' futures nothing less."
For nearly 10 months, bargaining teams for West Contra Costa Unified School District and United Teachers of Richmond have negotiated over pay, healthcare, class sizes, and working conditions. The union represents about 1,400 educators and plans to strike Thursday with picketing beginning 45 minutes before school. The district cites a shaky financial footing and limited ability to pay more. The union demands a 10% raise over two years and argues outsourced-service funds could be redirected. An arbitrator recommended a 6% raise phased in three parts and raising district healthcare contributions from 80% to 85% in 2026 and another 5% in 2027.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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