At the Thursday, August 20, Dixon Unified School District board meeting, DUSD SEIU 1021 union members continued to advocate for fair wages, benefits, working conditions, staffing, and job security as their contract remains unsettled. These may seem like straightforward and critical issues to address; the district’s ongoing delay tactics suggest otherwise. The concerns raised by members are not just contract issues; they are factors that directly affect whether experienced employees can afford to stay with Dixon Unified and whether the district can attract and retain qualified staff. They believe these issues ultimately impact the quality and consistency of support students receive.

The union members’ message is rooted in their commitment to their coworkers, students, schools, and the Dixon community, where many classified employees live and contribute every day.

Strong schools depend on a strong classified workforce—the board knows this —yet DUSD schools remain understaffed, with contracted workers filling classified positions, sometimes at a much higher cost. Instead of relying on expensive contractors, union members maintain that the district should invest in recruiting, retaining, and fairly compensating the classified employees who have the skills and training to keep DUSD schools running safely and smoothly every day.

“When we talk about wages, benefits, working conditions, staffing, and job security, we’re not just talking about numbers on a piece of paper. We’re talking about whether experienced employees can afford to stay at Dixon Unified School District,” said SEIU DUSD Chapter Vice President Julie Galindo. “We’re talking about whether Dixon schools can attract qualified workers. We’re talking about whether students continue to receive the support they deserve.”

SEIU 1021 DUSD members want to reach an agreement, but doing so requires both sides to negotiate in good faith and to recognize the contributions of the people who keep Dixon schools running. Instead, they are met with seeming indifference, as their concerns remain inadequately addressed. 

The bargaining team will continue to fight for a fair contract.