On Thursday, May 21, in the largest and loudest rally yet in a series of board actions, over 200 classified SEIU 1021 members at the Vacaville Unified School District (VUSD) gathered outside the VUSD board meeting’s closed session, chanting, holding signs, and showing no signs of backing down in what has increasingly become a drawn-out and contentious contract negotiations.

Classified workers, including paraprofessionals, maintenance workers, custodians, transportation workers, clerks, and nutrition and IT workers, have shared their concerns about staffing shortages and rising workplace safety issues affecting students and staff with the board for months without seeing much progress.

Throughout the demonstration, SEIU 1021 members called on the district to approve contract language that would protect bargaining-unit jobs, stabilize staffing levels, and reduce the risk of harm to students and employees. 

Numerous workers also spoke directly to board members during the open session, demanding a fair wage agreement for both years of the contract, emphasizing that competitive pay is essential to retaining experienced staff, especially as neighboring districts continue to offer higher wages that draw workers away from VUSD.

“When we fight together, we create safer schools, stronger support for students, and a brighter future for our entire community,” said VUSD Chapter President, Barbra Hamilton.

The following day, after four months of frustrating negotiations, the bargaining team met with the district and reached a tentative agreement.