At the Thursday, April 16, Dixon Unified School District board meeting, tensions between DUSD classified professionals and district leadership were on full display. SEIU 1021 members showed up to speak about ongoing contract negotiations, which began last May. They were met with dismissive and, at times, mocking responses from union-endorsed Board President Julian Cuevas, who seems to have forgotten his once-solid union values. Members raising concerns about wages, job protections, and working conditions were not taken seriously, reinforcing a growing sense of disrespect from district leadership.

This comes amid the district’s continued bad-faith bargaining. Before spring break, the district’s negotiator presented a so-called “last, best, and final offer,” then attempted to bypass the SEIU 1021 bargaining team by contacting the union field representative directly. He also sought to force an impasse through the California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). On April 4, PERB rejected that request, sending both sides back to the table and rejecting the district’s attempt to cut negotiations short.

Despite ongoing frustrations, SEIU 1021’s bargaining team remains focused on critical issues: competitive wages, recognition for paraprofessionals, protection of progressive discipline rights, and paycheck security.

These are basic, reasonable demands that directly impact workers and students.

At the same time, the district’s priorities are being scrutinized. While workers face uncertainty and potential layoffs, Board members and the chief business officer are moving forward with raises for themselves. This contrast has not gone unnoticed.

“Our mission is to provide the highest quality education possible. Yet while management has received substantial salary increases, the district has eliminated essential classified positions—including night custodians, library technicians, and paraprofessionals—citing a lack of funds,” said SEIU DUSD Chapter Vice President Julie Galindo. “These cuts are not abstract; they directly affect the cleanliness, safety, and academic support our students rely on every day.”

SEIU 1021 DUSD members are paying attention and demanding a contract that reflects the value of their work and the respect they and their students deserve.