1,500 West Contra Costa teachers set to strike Thursday over staffing issues, pay

RICHMOND, Calif. (KGO) — About 1,500 teachers from the West Contra Costa Unified School District are set to walk off the job Thursday morning. In total, the strike will impact around 25,000 students.

“It’s just been too many years of not having the staffing we need to provide students the education they deserve,” said Gabrielle Micheletti, the Vice President of the United Teachers of Richmond.

The United Teachers of Richmond says staffing shortages are just one issue. Pay is another, and teachers want a 10% raise over the next two years.

The district insists it doesn’t have the money and is already spending more than it takes in.

In a statement sent to ABC7 News, Superintendent Cheryl Cotton said in part:

“A strike takes teachers out of classrooms, harms relationships and makes it harder to recruit and retain strong educators. A strike will not improve our budget and may deepen our deficit. Most importantly, a strike harms our children by disrupting their learning, especially at this critical point in the semester.”

On Tuesday, the union representing the district’s non-credentialed employees, from food service workers to campus security, narrowly voted against a tentative contract deal.

They plan to join teachers on the picket lines.

Ahead of the strike, the city of Richmond said it was taking steps to help local families.

Richmond Mayor Eduarado Martinez told ABC7 News they’re working with after-school organizations and community centers to provide resources for those in need.

Richmond is also setting aside $50,000 to help impacted families.

“I think it’s the civic responsibility of the city to provide safe places for the students and parents who don’t want to cross the picket line,” said Mayor Martinez.

It’s unclear how long the strike could last but the district says schools will remain open.