10 Dec Why I Joined My Teachers on the Picket Line

Educators and supporters rallied at Marina Bay Park on Friday during the second day of the United Teachers of Richmond strike. (Juliana Libuano / The CC Pulse)

Commentary, Juliana Libunao

Editor’s note: This story was written before the announcement Wednesday morning that a tentative agreement had been reached to end the strike.

Educators, parents and students alike gathered in Marina Bay Park this past Friday to rally in support of the United Teachers of Richmond and Teamsters unions as they prepared to march towards the West Contra Costa Unified School District business office. 

I first decided to take part in the rally out of curiosity. As a WCCUSD student, I wanted to know what led to the strike and what was being fought for, and I wanted to get that information from the people striking themselves — not just what we were being told via emails. I showed up expecting to simply observe what was happening and hoping to be informed. Instead, I discovered that this strike meant far more to me than I had realized. This was my fight too.

I’ve been a student in this district since the first grade, so I felt a sense of responsibility to stand up for what I believe in and support those who have supported me and my education for as long as I can remember. Each day that this strike continues is another day that almost 30,000 students are left without that kind of support system.

Though I felt called to participate, I hadn’t expected the turnout to be nearly as huge as it was. Before this, my view of WCCUSD has always been limited to the few schools in the San Pablo area — leaving me completely unaware of the 50+ other schools that were being affected too. 

As I watched the crowd grow with people who decided to join the rally and stand behind all of the teachers and support staff members that make up the schools in this district, it made me realize just how connected we all are in this fight.

The park felt transformed from the moment people began to arrive, many wearing bright red shirts and holding up signs. With members of the community spreading across the grass, dancing to upbeat music, smiling and enjoying the food and drinks that were handed out, it could have easily been mistaken for a neighborhood party rather than the starting point of a strike rally. 

Not once, from start to finish, did the energy dip. If anything, people only seemed more motivated as time went on. It felt as though the atmosphere that the community had created managed to put everyone’s mind at ease — even if just for a moment. 

At the height of all the energy, union leaders took the chance to remind everyone why they were rallying in the first place.

“We are not here because we want to be away from our students,” UTR President Francisco Ortiz said in a speech before the march. “We are here because for too long students have been left without permanent teachers.”

For the past 10 months, UTR has been negotiating with WCCUSD for a contract aimed at ensuring stability for students districtwide. The union’s demands include a 10% increase in salary, fully covered medical benefits, and a reduction in class sizes. 

As a student, the issues that were being addressed weren’t as detached from my own experiences as I thought. I remember when I was the one sitting in a classroom with a new substitute almost everyday for what felt like weeks. The class itself began to feel more like a placeholder rather than a place where I was meant to learn, with each day becoming less lesson driven than the last, until all we did was sit in the room and wait until our next period. 

On top of that, I can easily recall the times my own teachers have told us how discouraging it is to watch people stop themselves from pursuing education as a career because of all the challenges that come with the job. It’s a high-stress profession with little reward for all the hard work they pour into each day.

>>>From The Pulse Archives:

‘We … Put Ourselves Last’: Former WCCUSD Teachers on Why They Left the Classroom<<<

These demands being met would mean proper financial security and more appeal for teaching positions and relieve them of the additional stress that comes with needing to manage larger groups of students. Smaller class sizes would also allow teachers to more easily give individual support when needed — making it easier to give every student the support they need.

It seemed that was the thought that remained prevalent in the minds of those who showed up to the rally. As the march began, and everyone made their way to the district office, they carried a sense of determination and unity with them.

Among those marching were staff members from Montalvin Manor Elementary. When asked why they chose to join the picket line, the answers all stemmed from the same place: wanting what’s best for their students. 

“I believe in fair treatment and compensation of all community members, whether that be staff, students, families and administration,” said Aniya Bardell, a special education teacher. “Class size, wages and benefits have a huge impact on how we deliver instruction. It allows us to teach comfortability without needing to worry about how we’re going to pay our bills.”

For Ethan Sorchser, an educator and UTR representative of Montalvin, the reasons went beyond any single issue: “We’re fighting for the education our students deserve. We’re fighting for a teacher for every student, fighting for smaller classes, smaller caseloads, and safer schools.”

Some staff highlighted how the district’s current conditions affect school stability. 

“We cannot wait anymore. The conditions of the district are causing instability, and it’s just not fair to our staff to our students,” said Dani Famorcan, the school’s speech language pathologist. “I work with students that really benefit from routine and with new substitutes coming in every other day, they can’t have the structure that they need.” 

Even employees who aren’t directly included in district negotiations felt the need to stand with those on strike. Celia Flinn, a school-based therapist contracted through Seneca, said that her support goes beyond her employment status. 

“I believe it’s really important to stand in solidarity with workers. These teachers really care for their students but they’re just stretched really thin. They deserve proper support so that we can make our schools a better environment for both the teachers and the students.” 

Their words echoed the concerns felt throughout the crowd. As the march continued, the group stayed close together, signs held high as everyone walked in sync. Voices rang over megaphones and led chants that those who joined the picket lines had come to memorize by heart: “Education is a right! This is why we have to fight!”