SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Officials with the Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) said Sunday that they've picked up negotiations with labor unions in an effort to bring students back to the classroom.
However, it wasn't enough to stave off a Monday school closure. The district confirmed all schools will be closed March 28, however they're hopeful to reach agreements soon.
District officials said they sent the Sacramento City Teachers Association (SCTA) a counterproposal that enhances a proposal sent to the union earlier in the week. They said it enhances pay, increases a one-time stipend for the 2021-22 school year and more. A full breakdown on the counterproposal can be found HERE.
The SCTA has been on strike after contract negotiations fell through Tuesday. The strike has included nearly 4,600 staff members and teachers, canceling classes at 76 schools impacting 43,000 students.
Both unions and the school district are at odds over issues such as staffing, better pay, training, and health benefits.
On Saturday, SCUSD met with SEIU 1021, the local Service Employees International Union for the first time since the strike. The union represents the district's classified school employees. Saturday's meeting between the union and district ended with no resolution. Negotiations resumed on Sunday morning, however SEIU 1021 says SCUSD's chief negotiator came to the bargaining table unprepared.
"She was prepared to ask questions. She wasn't prepared with an actual counterproposal," said Debra Durazo, the union's Chapter Secretary. "It is frustrating. We have thousands of people depending on us to end this, to get a good contract — a fair contract."
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