The United Teachers of Richmond (UTR) announced that 98.4 percent of its members voted “yes” to authorize a strike, citing chronic understaffing, rising workloads, and stalled negotiations over wages and healthcare as reasons for the vote.
The union said the overwhelming result reflects educators’ growing frustration and commitment to securing “fully staffed, stable schools” for West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) students.
“We are united, powerful, and clear: We can’t wait for the fully staffed, stable schools our students deserve,” the union said in a statement. “This is about justice, not just for educators, but for every student in West Contra Costa.”
UTR leaders point to more than 70 unfilled teaching positions across the district, which they say have left classrooms without consistent instruction and educators stretched thin. Their key demands include competitive pay, affordable healthcare, and measures to stabilize staffing. The vote authorizes UTR’s executive board to call a strike if ongoing negotiations and the upcoming state-led “fact-finding” process fail to yield an agreement.
In response, the WCCUSD Board of Education voted 4–1 this week to approve an emergency measure authorizing the district to take steps to “ensure the safe and continued operation of schools” in the event of a strike. The WCCUSD is also bracing for a possible strike from Teamsters Local 856, which voted 96 percent in favor of strike action on Oct. 10. Teamsters represent custodians, maintenance workers, facilities staff, paraprofssionals, clerical staff and more.
The district’s emergency resolution empowers Superintendent Cheryl Cotton to temporarily reassign staff, contract substitute teachers and independent contractors at pay rates up to $550 per day, and coordinate with outside agencies to protect students and maintain instruction.
“While we remain hopeful that a strike can be avoided, we must be ready to minimize disruption should one occur,” Superintendent Cotton said in a message to the community posted October 14. “WCCUSD remains committed to supporting our staff, protecting student learning, and maintaining transparency with our community as this process continues.”
