#teacher-strike

#teacher-strike

West Contra Costa Unified School District teachers first took to the picket lines Thursday morning, demanding smaller class sizes, more resources for special education, and higher teacher salaries. RELATED: Still no deal in West Contra Costa teacher strike over staffing issues, pay The union wants a 5% increase over the next two years, and the district is only offering a one-time 3% raise.

Banners have been painted, posters printed, buttons pressed, all with a similar message: educators and other professionals represented by the United Teachers of Richmond are ready to fight for better pay, benefits, staffing levels and services for students. Educators are asking for a 10% raise over a two-year period, 100% employer-paid health care and improvements to class sizes, special education and other areas. The district has countered with a single 2% raise and 85% employer-paid health care.

A group of around 20 teachers at Harris Academy Beckenham went on strike on July 8 and 9 in protest against the school's alleged treatment of its overseas teachers as well as their workload, claiming it amounted to racism.