School district Teamsters demand and win strong contracts
July 21, 2026
Nearly 500 Brentwood Union School District (BUSD) workers are celebrating their first Teamster contract, after affiliating with Local 856. The new agreement includes retroactive wage increases, leave language improvements, and an enhanced grievance procedure that, importantly, now includes binding arbitration.
Prior to affiliating with Local 856, BUSD classified employees represented themselves as an association. “We had a lot of changes at the district, which has made negotiations and member representation very challenging,” said Lynn Groshong, school librarian at the time of the affiliation. “It became clear we needed to partner with an effective, experienced union to gain the representation we deserve. Teamsters 856 has a powerful reputation for defending and advancing the rights of school district employees.”
“This agreement is a testament to the strength, solidarity, and dedication of our members and bargaining committee,” said Local 856 Representative Ed Moore. Their engagement and unity throughout the negotiation process made this achievement possible. When workers stand together, they have the power to secure meaningful improvements and a stronger future for everyone.”
Just down the road at Mount Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD), another 500 Teamsters likewise have a new contract after overwhelmingly ratifying a three-year agreement that guarantees wage increases in addition to fully employer-paid health insurance and other language improvements.
In addition, San Leandro Unified School District Local 856 members also won salary increases in their most recent wage re-opener. And over on the Peninsula, in San Mateo County, Jefferson Unified High School District Teamsters will also receive wage increases and preserve employer-paid health coverage in their new agreement.
Teamsters 856 represents more than 3,000 classified school district employees throughout Northern California, serving students and communities in a variety of roles, such as custodians, librarians, security officers, occupational therapists, school bus drivers, food service workers, and so much more.
Late last year, 1500 West Contra Costa Unified School District Teamsters 856 members held a two-day strike that resulted in significant wage increases, fully employer-paid health care, and key language improvements.
“School district Teamsters dedicate their lives to ensuring some of the most vulnerable members of our society—our children—are educated and cared for,” said Local 856 Principal Officer Peter Finn. “We are proud to continue the fight to ensure that our schools are protected and the workers who support public education are compensated fairly and are guaranteed respect on the job through a strong Teamster contract.”
