Teacher Union Strike Disrupts West Contra Costa Schools, Leaving Students Caught in the Middle
A strike organized by teachers union officials in the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) is causing widespread disruption across campuses, limiting classroom instruction and forcing families to scramble for alternatives—once again placing students’ education on hold as labor negotiations stall.
Teachers represented by United Teachers of Richmond (UTR)—a local affiliate of the California Teachers Association (CTA) and the National Education Association (NEA)—joined the strike as contract talks continued. District leaders say they remain open to reaching an agreement but stress that progress is difficult while union officials prioritize picket lines over bargaining sessions.
“We are serious about getting this matter resolved,” WCCUSD Superintendent Cheryl Cotton said. “We acknowledge that our employees deserve salary and benefits increases, and we want a resolution, but this cannot happen while we are on strike and not at the negotiations table.”
At the same time, other WCCUSD employees represented by Teamsters Local 856, an affiliate of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, rejected a proposed contract and moved toward strike action, compounding disruptions across the district.
According to district officials, some schools may remain open with only principals and vice principals supervising students, who could spend the day in cafeterias completing independent work. Central office staff may be reassigned to campuses to help maintain basic supervision. Even so, staffing shortages remain severe.
One spokesperson even mentioned that only about 200 substitute teachers had been hired, far fewer than needed to keep classrooms functioning normally. While officials arranged for a private company to continue meal services so students still receive breakfast and lunch, the lack of instructional continuity highlights how strikes disrupt core educational services.
As union leaders continue to press for work stoppages, critics argue that students’ education is being used as leverage in labor disputes—effectively holding classroom learning hostage during a period when public school outcomes are already declining and families are demanding greater accountability.
It is also important for employees to understand their individual rights. Participation in a strike is not mandatory, even for union members. In some unions, members who refuse to participate may face internal union discipline or fines, but those penalties are imposed by the union—not the employer.
Because WCCUSD employees are public-sector workers, they are protected by Janus rights. Under Janus, teachers and other public employees may resign union membership and stop paying union dues at any time, which can also limit exposure to union-imposed penalties tied to strike participation.
While union bosses continue to call for work stoppages, district officials say they remain ready to negotiate. For employees caught in the middle, understanding their legal rights—and knowing that they have options even during a strike—remains critical as disruptions ripple through West Contra Costa schools.
Sources: EdSource, Richmondside
For more information on your rights as an employee regarding unions, visit Know Your Rights.
