Julia Haney / KALW News

The union that represents classified staff in Oakland — SEIU 1021 — rallied outside the meeting. They had food, drinks, music, and were wearing purple union T-shirts and carrying signs that said, "Benefits don't pay bills" and "Fair contract now!"

Classified staff include a roles like administrative assistants and library technicians. They’re demanding a minimum wage of twenty five dollars an hour.

Trish Belenson, chapter president, says the district spends too much on contractors and should staff unfilled positions.

Belenson says some classified staff are earning $16.50 an hour.

"Working in the Bay Area, that's just not feasible," she says. "We even have some members who are unhoused currently and living in their vehicles."

One of those people is Teresa L

See Full Page