On October 24, SEIU Local 1021 classified workers at Vacaville Unified School District ignited a rallying cry after seven grueling months of contract negotiations. Over 50 members in purple gear asserted their demands for a fair contract that protects accessible healthcare coverage.

Their message was clear: The time for compromise is over, and they will not settle for anything less than the dignity and respect they deserve.

At this tense board meeting, seven dedicated members, alongside an ally from the Vacaville Teachers Association, articulated the pressing need for fair cost-of-living increases as part of the upcoming contract negotiations. It is unacceptable for the district to attempt to postpone discussions on 2025-26 wages until an unelected budget committee issues its recommendations for cuts. This tactic, aimed at stalling progress and undermining workers’ rights, was met with unwavering resistance.

“The SEIU 1021 classified staff continue to show up to the board meetings and rallies at school sites to speak out because we have been entrusted with our community’s most precious gifts—our children,” said VUSD Chapter President Barbra Hamilton. ”The parents of this community put their hopes and dreams for their children in our hands, and they trust us to keep them safe and educate them so they can grow up and succeed. The parents put their faith in all of us to make sure their children feel safe on their bus and at their school site. We can’t efficiently and effectively ensure the educational programs work at VUSD if they are not properly staffed.”

SEIU 1021 members made it clear that they will not be satisfied with the “crumbs” left behind after this budget committee’s deliberations, nor will they tolerate increased family medical rates for incoming staff.

The undeniable reality is that Vacaville Unified School District is grappling with significant staffing shortages across various classifications. Without addressing the core issue of low wages, the district cannot hope to attract and retain the talented individuals necessary to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for students.

The implications of benefits cuts extend far beyond the negotiating table. Such reductions would not only hinder the district’s ability to hire but would also jeopardize the retention of existing staff, further destabilizing an already vulnerable workforce. The collective resolve displayed by members—chanting passionately in the parking lot and waving signs of solidarity—underscores the urgency of this situation.

This was the third board meeting where members have showed up in solidarity to fight back.

“How can teachers properly teach students when their support staff are not trained? How can teachers and paraeducators run an efficient and effective program when the district does not provide support? How can children learn in a safe and healthy environment when there are so many behaviors without behavioral support from the District?” Hamilton asked. 

“We continue to ask for support for our classrooms and training for our staff, and we keep getting met with resistance, because the district says they need to cut $7 million from the budget in the next two years. Even though our student enrollment has decreased in the last five years, our administrative team has grown, and they continue to want to hire more administrators but talk of layoffs for SEIU 1021 members.

“We will continue to demand our voices be heard, and we will not rest until the classrooms are properly staffed with trained employees to provide the services our students need and deserve.”