Contra Costa County educators picket, demanding higher wages

Contra Costa County Schools Education Association (CCCSEA) members picketed Tuesday evening for wage increases that match the cost of living.

Educators gathered in front of the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) to tell Superintendent Lynn Mackey that their current contract offer will prevent hiring and retaining educators, according to the California Teachers Association (CTA). The county office of education is offering 4.5% increases even though they have more than $27 million unrestricted dollars, CTA said.

“We must stand up for student success and push the superintendent to stand with us so that our CCCOE students receive a quality education,” said CCCSEA President Soula Nikolakopoulos. “Hoarding money is not the way to serve our students.”