Classified staff, union leaders press Pacifica board for urgent contract action after 302 days

Classified employees and union leaders pressed the Pacifica School District Board of Trustees on May 1 to move beyond stalled negotiations, saying delays are undermining staff stability and student support.

Nicole Ortega, second vice president of CSEA Chapter 128 and a longtime district employee, told trustees classified staff have now been without a contract for 302 days. "That's 302 days of showing up, 302 days of continuing to serve our students," Ortega said, and she asked the district to bring forward "a proposal that meaningfully addresses the compensation disparity for classified employees."

Earlier, a representative from LSEA said bargaining sessions have been canceled and expressed concern about the district's negotiation process and its communication with union leadership. The speaker said an offer that union leaders found unacceptable had been shared as a "last, best, final offer" by email and that rescinding or changing offers has created uncertainty and threatened to push the parties toward an impasse.

Union leaders highlighted that the district continues to pay for contracted staff to fill persistent vacancies and urged the board to prioritize filling classified positions and resolving compensation to retain staff. The unions also congratulated employees recommended for board approval on the agenda.

Board members did not take a personnel action on negotiations during the meeting; staff and trustees emphasized that any tentative agreements will require county review under the county
9s 'lack of going concern' designation and that the county must be given 10 working days to review tentative bargaining settlements.