West Contra Costa teachers continue strike amid negotiations over salary raises, other demands

"West Contra Costa Unified School District teachers first took to the picket lines Thursday morning, demanding smaller class sizes, more resources for special education, and higher teacher salaries. RELATED: Still no deal in West Contra Costa teacher strike over staffing issues, pay The union wants a 5% increase over the next two years, and the district is only offering a one-time 3% raise."

"The district says reduced enrollment has created a budget deficit, but the California Teachers Association identified several state and local revenue sources as ways to fund salary increases. "It is all about priorities. They are putting too much money into consultants and people that don't relate to the kids, day by day," says Thomas Prather, who teaches fourth grade."

"Another big issue is over health care. The teachers want 100% contribution to premiums, while the district is offering just a 5% increase to 85% starting in January. The West Contra Costa Unified School District is made up of 26,000 students in 56 schools in the cities of El Cerrito, Hercules, Pinole, Richmond and San Pablo. About 65% of the students are low-income."

Teachers in West Contra Costa returned to picket lines Monday after negotiations resumed over the weekend without a deal. Teachers demand smaller class sizes, more special education resources, higher salaries, and full health insurance premium contributions. The union seeks a 5% raise over two years while the district has proposed a one-time 3% increase and cites reduced enrollment and a budget deficit. The district offered a 5% boost toward premiums to reach 85% starting in January. The California Teachers Association identified state and local revenue sources to fund raises. The district and union exchanged proposals over the weekend and reported real progress, but no agreement was finalized.

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