Overview
- United Teachers of Richmond said members returned to picket lines Friday after a bargaining session produced no agreement.
- The district’s latest 3% raise offer was rejected after earlier talks stalled over larger pay increases, improved health benefits, and protections for H‑1B educators.
- A November fact‑finding report cited a $16.9 million deficit, and Superintendent Cheryl Cotton said higher pay would require deeper budget cuts.
- Teamsters representing paraprofessionals, office, cafeteria, maintenance and security staff rejected a tentative agreement and joined the strike.
- Schools remained open, and Richmond approved $50,000 to expand community programs as the union cited 70 classrooms without permanent teachers and years of heavy attrition.