Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1541528
Bargaining Roundup Compiled by Julian Peeples United Teachers of Richmond Authorize Strike United Teachers of Richmond (UTR) members voted overwhelmingly in mid-October to authorize a strike if necessary in their ongoing fight for the fully staffed, stable schools all West Contra Costa students deserve. Educators have been dealing with excessive workloads and more than 70 educator vacancies, which further increase demands. Meanwhile, school district officials are preparing to pay strikebreakers triple the substitute daily rate instead of working to reach a fair agreement with UTR that provides the stability West Contra Costa students and families need. Visit UnitedTeachersofRichmond.com for more news and information. PORTERVILLE: Educators Organize and Win! Porterville Educators Association (PEA) members held a series of rallies and actions during their bargain, organizing and building power to win a new contract that raises pay and addresses ongoing working condition issues. PEA won binding arbitration and representation in discipline issues, a 3% wage increase retroactive to July 1 and $3,500 applied to their health care coverages (originally proposed to be deducted from educators' pay). Porterville's fight was solidarity in action, with leaders and members from neighboring CTA locals attending PEA's rallies and speaking on their behalf at school board meetings. MT. DIABLO: Educators Organize and Win Agreement Mt. Diablo Education Association (MDEA) won a contract agreement in late-October, following a lengthy bargain that went to impasse in April. MDEA won a 2.3% pay increase for this school year, fully paid health care and class size reductions for the first time in a decade. During their campaign, MDEA held large rallies at school board meetings to build support and pressure district administration to negotiate a fair agreement. See UTR's strike-ready art build, page 30. 47 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 5 A