The union representing West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) teachers announced Monday its members will go on strike starting Thursday, Dec. 4, after months of negotiations over pay, staffing and classroom conditions failed to produce a deal with the district.
United Teachers of Richmond (UTR) says picket lines will run at every school starting 45 minutes before the first bell, with families invited to join. The union says teachers will return to classrooms “the moment the District agrees to the conditions that stabilize our schools and protect the education our students deserve.”
WCCUSD Superintendent Cheryl Cotton responded that the district will keep schools open during the upcoming strike: meals, independent-study options and basic services will still be available. She acknowledged teachers’ frustrations, but argued that a strike will hurt students, especially those with special needs, deepen staffing instability, and worsen financial strain without solving long-term problems.
UTR President Francisco Ortiz said the district’s latest offer “does not provide a solution that will stabilize the staffing crisis in WCCUSD or provide the schools our students deserve.” The union says more than 2,000 students currently lack a permanent teacher and argues that low pay and difficult conditions are driving educators out of the district.
UTR reportedly proposed a 10 percent salary increase over the next two years and full health coverage, among other requests. WCCUSD’s latest offer includes a 2 percent raise in July 2025, 1 percent more in January 2026 and increased health-insurance contributions, among other proposals. The district said it is dealing with a budget deficit and cannot afford UTR’s proposals.
