The Bay West Contra Costa Teachers and Staff Go On Strike
Dec 5, 2025
Nearly 3,000 educators in West Contra Costa Unified School district have gone on strike, marking a historic first for the district. The striking teachers demand better salaries, smaller class sizes, and improved special education staffing. Community support is strong, with students participating in solidarity walks. The strike reflects ongoing labor tensions across California, driven by budget constraints and declining enrollment. Join the discussion about the impact on students and school operations as educators stand united for their rights.
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Lively Community Picket Line
- Picketers at El Cerrito High created a lively, community-oriented scene with students and parents joining in support.
- Kids in the neighborhood passed out snacks and people chanted, showing strong local solidarity.
District Size And Staffing Pressure
- West Contra Costa serves 56 campuses and about 25,000 students across diverse cities and needs.
- Teachers say low pay drives staffing crises and threatens recruitment and retention.
Wide Gap Over Wage Proposal
- Negotiations broke down over wage offers: teachers asked for 10% over two years and the district offered far less.
- The state recommended 6% but the district countered with 3%, prompting a near-unanimous strike vote.