A union representing Fresno Unified School District employees is calling out the district\u2019s school board of trustees after members approved a 113% pay increase for themselves.<\/p>\n
The criticism comes amid a budget deficit, a stalled contract and talks about potential layoffs.<\/p>\n
Union leaders say the timing of the raise sends a troubling message as negotiations continue and workers fear layoffs.<\/p>\n
Both union members and district officials spoke about the growing tension.<\/p>\n
FOX26 was told negotiations between SEIU 521 and Fresno Unified remain ongoing. <\/p>\n
The district says talks are confidential but maintains that it is committed to providing fair pay and benefits for employees while prioritizing safety.<\/p>\n
Union leaders say that commitment is not being reflected in current actions.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday morning, Fresno unified classified employees and union leaders gathered outside district offices, chanting \u201cS\u00ed se puede,\u201d or \u201cyes, we can,\u201d as they called for wage increases and better working conditions.<\/p>\n
During the news conference, workers voiced frustration over the trustees\u2019 recent vote to raise their own pay. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey are going to take a 113 percent increase while suggesting our jobs, for classified workers, are going to be on the chopping block,\u201d said Corina Lozoya, a school bus driver, Fresno Unified Parent and SEIU member. \u201cThis is a huge slap in the face to so many of us who have long dedicated ourselves to doing the essential front-line jobs that we love.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lozoya said low wages have forced her to work long hours just to make ends meet.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy own child has seen less of me because I have to work between 12 and 16 hours just to keep a roof over our heads and put food on the table,\u201d she said. \u201cUnfortunately, that\u2019s just the life of a classified worker right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other employees echoed concerns about potential job losses and the impact on students.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are the leaders of this district, and they think those of us who support students in their learning environments are disposable,\u201d said Andrew Martinez, a grounds worker with Fresno Unified. \u201cWe are not disposable. We keep Fresno schools running.\u201d<\/p>\n
SEIU 521 Chief Elected Officer Riko Mendez said workers are demanding respect and fairness.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all stand together to fight for a fair contract,\u201d Mendez said. \u201cWhat we expect is respect in pay and in benefits. When custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and everyone who contributes to education are thriving, the environment where children learn is better.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a statement, Fresno Unified said in-part: <\/p>\n
“Regarding staffing levels, due to declining enrollment, including reduced attendance following the COVID-19 pandemic, state funding tied to enrollment has decreased. Reduced funding, combined with elevated staffing levels and program expenditures, have created the district\u2019s current structural deficit and underscores the need for strategic budget realignment. Fresno Unified is thoughtfully reviewing all possible options to continue sustainable quality education for students and evaluating resources and staffing across various employee classifications.”<\/p>\n
The district also said it understands the concerns surrounding the situation and is committed to transparency and respect as decisions are made.<\/p>\n