RICHMOND — Eight months into negotiations with West Contra Costa Unified School District, an overwhelming majority of educators are prepared to strike.

Banners have been painted, posters printed, buttons pressed, all with a similar message: educators and other professionals represented by the United Teachers of Richmond are ready to fight for better pay, benefits, staffing levels and services for students.

Educators are asking for a 10% raise over a two-year period, 100% employer-paid health care and improvements to class sizes, special education and other areas. The district has countered with a single 2% raise and 85% employer-paid health care.

“The more aligned we are, the more the community is here with us, the faster our strike will be, the sooner it will end,” said Sandrine Demath

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