Sonoma County #RedForEd Update: West Sonama County TA Declares Strike for Wednesday!

West Sonoma County Teachers Association Goes On Strike Wednesday
​Following intimidation and scare tactics and a final offer that would send many veteran teachers home with less money WSCTA has officially notified WSCUHSD of their intent to strike on Wednesday, November 13th.

After going a year without a contract, the Fact-Finder agreed with the teachers on the need for a 12% raise over three years, but also suggested a cap to benefits. The teachers’ original ask was for 12%, and they are sticking to it, without a cap to benefits. The district lawyer, Paul Boylan, is being paid well to say the district can’t afford the raise. Those paying attention recognize his name as working with other local districts making the news with negotiation conflicts.
We know that budgets are based on priorities, and it is time for those teaching in expensive Sonoma County to stand together to raise our living and working conditions.

Sonoma West Newspaper Article

WSCTA FB Page

RED FOR ED Wednesday!

​SRTA is having Red For Ed solidarity action on Wednesday in support of WSCTA. Please wear Red to school. Take a picture with your colleagues in red and post it to social media. Please tag @WeAreSRTA and #WeAreSRTA as well as #WeAreWSCTA so that we can share that support publicly.

You can print and hold these We Support WSCTA signs if you like. They also look great in your car window. Click for JPG Version, PDF Version

Union Busting Alert in West Sonoma County

Lily Smedshammer, the WSCTA President was served with 2 lawsuits, filed on behalf of WSCUHSD at her home. Lawsuit #1 seeks to break WSCTA solidarity and illegally stop a group of their Special Ed teachers from exercising their protected right to strike. Lawsuit #2 seeks to stop WSCTA from striking NEAR school property. These frivolous lawsuits are a violation of their right to strike and an attempt to weaken their line by dividing their bargaining unit and threatening their ability to assemble on public property. The injunction will be before the court Tuesday morning from 8-10 am.

SRTA Stands with WSCTA

Do something to support this growing movement of teachers standing up for themselves and their students. Attend their fundraiser, or donate online. Stand with them on the picket line. Visit them on the picket line and provide verbal support or sustenance. Email their board members asking for a long overdue fair contract. The impact of the broader community supporting the prioritization of teachers is what makes the difference. Your actions and or voice are needed in this effort. Show up at the board meeting at the El Molino library at 6 pm Wednesday, and/or email their Board member (emails are below.)

WSCTA Fundraiser

Tomorrow, Monday Nov. 11th 2pm at Hopmunk Tavern in Sebastopol
Your $20+ donation gets you a drink, appetizers, and community. The teachers of West Sonoma County need this support to fund strike expenses and provide some relief to members with immediate salary stress. All unused proceeds will be donated to the Ed Foundations at El Molino and Analy High Schools!

WSCTA Fundraiser Facebook Event for the fundraiser 

If you can’t make the fundraiser tomorrow but would like to support WSCTA’s strike fund you can donate through GoFundMe.

WSCTA Strike Fund - GoFundMe


Tell the WSCUHSD to come to the table with an offer the teachers can accept
Email the West Sonoma County Union High School District school board members to demand a fair contract now for their teachers.  Below are their email addresses:

• dlandry.do@wscuhsd.k12.ca.us 
• twalker.do@wscuhsd.k12.ca.us 
• lbruhner.do@wscuhsd.k12.ca.us 
• jfernandes.do@wscuhsd.k12.ca.us 
• knoe.do@wscuhsd.k12.ca.us