#United States #Teamsters Local 856 #WCCUSD #Fair Agreement #Richmond, California

Teamsters Vote to Strike

In a significant move reflecting their ongoing frustrations, members of Teamsters Local 856 at the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) have overwhelmingly authorized a strike. This decision comes as the union strives to negotiate a fair collective bargaining agreement. With their previous contract having expired on June 30, 2025, the employees have been locked in negotiations for more than six months, highlighting persistent issues surrounding wages and adequate staffing.

Peter Finn, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 856 and Director of the Teamsters Public Services and Health Care Division, expressed the sentiments of the workers: "Teamsters are the backbone of the West Contra Costa Unified School District and should be treated as such. Workers know the essential services they provide to students and their families throughout the region and won't settle for less than they deserve. Striking is always a last resort, but the school district has left us little to no choice."

The strike authorization vote, which saw overwhelming support, serves as a clarion call for the district to engage earnestly in negotiations. Finn noted that without a fair agreement, the union will have to proceed to the next phase of the state-run impasse procedure—fact-finding—which could push them closer to an actual strike if matters remain unresolved.

The union represents approximately 1,500 employees who hold various positions, including clerical roles, food service staff, maintenance workers, paraprofessionals, and security personnel across more than 50 campuses in the district. These roles are crucial not just for the operation of the schools, but also for the delivery of quality education to students, who rely on these services daily.

The members of Teamsters Local 856 are part of a larger union representing over 20,000 working individuals throughout Northern California. The call to authorize a strike underscores a growing discontent among staff members toward what they perceive as an unwillingness from the school district to provide the necessary compensation and support their roles require.

Workers in education sectors have faced numerous challenges in recent years, exacerbated by the pandemic and budget constraints. This current situation in WCCUSD mirrors a broader trend seen in various labor movements across the country, where educators and support staff demand recognition and respect for their essential roles in fostering student success.

As negotiations continue, the pressure mounts on WCCUSD to respond to the demands of their workforce. If an agreement is not reached before the fact-finding stage, the Teamsters may find themselves preparing for a strike—an eventuality that, while seen as a last resort, could become unavoidable given the current stalemate.

The outcome of this situation may not only have immediate implications for the workers involved but could also set a precedent for labor negotiations within educational institutions statewide. Teamsters Local 856 will continue to advocate passionately for fair treatment and equitable compensation as they seek to address these pivotal issues for their members.

For more on Teamsters Local 856 and their ongoing efforts for fair wages and conditions, visit teamsters856.org.