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Classified employees and bus drivers press board over wages, benefits and contract talks; unions cite strike authorization
Summary
Classified employees and union representatives told the board that district proposals included a one-time $500 health-welfare payment for many staff but no wage increase, while First Student drivers and union leaders described stalled bargaining, alleged bad-faith tactics and a 90% strike authorization vote among drivers.
An extended public-comment period at the Corona-Norco Unified School District board meeting focused on the working conditions, pay and benefits of classified employees and contracted bus drivers.
CSEA representatives told the board that bargaining over a successor contract has been ongoing and that the district proposed a one-time $500 payment for health and welfare, which CSEA said would equal roughly $50 per month for employees who take district medical insurance. The union speaker said the proposal covers approximately 1,000 insured employees but does not provide ongoing wage increases. CSEA warned that classified staff feel overworked, that substitute staffing levels are inadequate and that many employees are forced to work second and third jobs to make ends meet.
Multiple classified employees described personal hardships in testimony: one paraprofessional said she works 29 years for the district and can no longer support herself on current wages; another speaker recounted difficulty affording insurance and basic necessities despite longservice.
Speakers representing ATU/First Student bus drivers described recent bargaining sessions with the contractor and alleged that management representatives were not responding to proposals. A union representative said the bus-driver membership voted about 90% in favor of a strike authorization if negotiations do not produce an acceptable contract. Drivers testified that staff shortages have left routes understaffed, that they are fatigued and underpaid, and that late buses and recruitment shortfalls are affecting service.
Board members listened but did not take immediate policy action during public comment. A board staff speaker acknowledged that contract negotiations are active; the board later approved several consent items, separate from the contract issues raised by commenters.
Speakers asked the board to prioritize meaningful wage increases, improvements to substitute staffing practices and closer oversight of vendors that supply classroom aides. Union speakers said they had filed federal charges alleging bad-faith bargaining in at least one bargaining table with a vendor.
The meeting record shows no final contract approvals; the public-comment speakers framed their demands as ongoing negotiation points and urged swift action to address staffing, wages and benefits.
