Support Our Teachers

Parents, Students, Teachers, workers and allies of the workers movement in West Contra Costa Unified School district and beyond.

Classes began in WCCUSD schools on August 24th. Teachers are working under conditions imposed by the school district. Teachers and parents have reported these conditions in schools.
Classes had as many as 55 students; others were in the high 40's. There were not enough chairs and desks for all the students. Some students sat on the floor until chairs were found; desks were not provided to go with the extra chairs. Some students sat at counters. Students at counters had to twist their bodies to write things down. Improper seating, lack of a desk and forcing children to twist and bend to write is an ergonomic hazard. Children's bodies are still developing and poor posture due to lack of chairs and desks may lead to future orthopedic damage. It was hard to hear the teachers over the background din of noise. Following the lesson and getting one on one attention from the teacher was difficult. Students have been placed in classes that are inappropriate for their ability level. At Kennedy High School, some classes had 65 students.

Imposed cuts to Kindergarten teachers’ preparation time and increased duties take teachers' time from our most vulnerable young students who are just beginning their education. This is a prescription for destroying quality education. In some elementary schools, there are 34 in K, and 28 in second grade.

District Imposed cuts in health insurance benefits are a take away done in bad faith. For years the teachers in WCCUSD traded cash/wages for their health insurance benefits. This trade off put our teachers’ salaries below many in the surrounding districts. Cuts in health insurance benefits increase the stress on the teachers and their families. By taking away the security provided by their current health insurance plan, teachers will be worrying about their families instead of giving their full attention to their students.

UTR and the district return to the table on Monday, August 31st. However, the district is prepared to pay $325.00/day for labor scabs. We call on parents, students, community groups, labor unions and worker activists to support direct actions. Support a teachers’ strike by setting up strike schools and strike kitchens. We need your help to mobilize our communities.

On Saturday August 29, and Sunday August 30, at 10:00 am we will meet at the Richmond Civic Center Auditorium 403 Civic Center Plaza in Richmond and give out fliers to be distributed to our school communities. We are inviting teacher members and allies to join us.

West Contra Costa Community for Quality Education,
Progressive Teachers of UTR Contact 510 501 7347