2025 Bargaining Kickoff

Last week, SDEA members started bargaining for a stronger union contract, demanding fully staffed schools, improved educator pay, & stability for our students. Union educators all over California are also beginning bargaining and gathering community support as part of the statewide We Can’t Wait campaign. 

Educators, families, students, and community members showed up #UnionStrong last week!

SDEA members at schools across the District held rallies and walk-ins last week to show solidarity, raise awareness as bargaining began, and gather community support for the fight ahead. Everyone signed giant community petitions in support of the We Can’t Wait platform, and then walked in together in solidarity. See some highlights from across the District:

At the bargaining table, SDEA members proposed improvements to pay and stability.

SDEA members on the Bargaining Team met for the first session on February 27, 2025, where they presented 19 proposals focused on improving pay and stability for students and communities – two of the three goals that educators across the state are currently fighting for. Here in San Diego Unified, that means proposals of future and retroactive raises, better benefits and leave policies, equitable compensation for extra work, no more layoffs for the duration of this contract, and a new equity article with protections for our students and educators who are currently targeted by federal policies and threats. Our next bargaining session will be on March 27, when proposals will focus on fully staffing schools. Read the full bargaining update sent to all members after the session, and keep track of more information on the We Can’t Wait bargaining information hub.

What’s next?

As bargaining continues, SDEA members will continue building their site-based union power with rolling pickets starting in late April. Make sure to attend your next union meeting to find out more! With daily threats to federal funding in the news, it’s clear that this won’t be an easy fight. It’s more important than ever to advocate for public education, and to bring along families and community members to join us in our fight!