After 10 months of negotiations, SEIU Local 1021 members at Oakland Unified School District have approved one of the strongest contracts in our chapter’s history with a 98% YES vote.

Early childhood instructional aides, special education support specialists, early literacy tutors, culture keepers, climate ambassadors, clerical staff, and many more essential workers came together to win a transformative agreement.

The new contract delivers a 16% wage increase over its term, a life-changing $25 per-hour minimum wage for the lowest-paid workers, and stronger safety protections that support both staff and students.

“This is a fair and dignified contract we can all be proud of, made possible because of the support of our membership and other bargaining units,” said SEIU 1021 Chapter President Trish Belenson, a library technician with OUSD. “Standing together allowed us to gain critical improvements in working conditions, plus much-needed raises and a precedent-setting twenty-five-dollar minimum wage. This is a win for our members, students, and community.”

Members also secured limits on outsourcing, a summer assistance program for 10-month employees, an additional 15-minute rest period for six-hour employees, and stronger language on the use of AI. These protections will help ensure that trained classified professionals remain central to student support, reducing turnover and strengthening stability across school sites.

“Our progress is a reminder of what becomes possible when people come together with hope and intention,” said administrative assistant Ma. Elena Perez. “With the support of our community and the steady work of our bargaining team, we reached an agreement that uplifts our students and our school. This moment belongs to all of us.”