Teachers authorize potential strike

The vote comes just as the union and the San Mateo County Community College District enter the potentially monthslong fact-finding process. 

“Union leaders call on the district administration to change course and negotiate a fair settlement that supports both faculty and students,” a press release reads. “AFT 1493 remains firmly committed to preparing for a strike if the district fails to address these critical issues.”

The most recent contract proposal by the school district offered three years of raises for full-time faculty, at 4% the first year and 3.5% the subsequent two. It also proposed raises for part-time faculty to reach financial parity within three years. 

“Reaching a fair agreement with AFT is our utmost priority, and the District is committed to working tirelessly through the fact-finding process to avoid a strike,” David McLain, executive director of Community and Government Relations. “Our faculty deserve that, and our students depend on it.” 

High rent, long commutes for those living out of the county and rising costs of living are all affecting teachers’ ability to “provide our students the education they deserve,” union President Rika Yonemura-Fabian said in the release. 

“Our faculty are dedicated to our students and their success, but the cost of living has continued to outpace our ability to maintain the jobs we love,” Yonemura-Fabian said. “The administration can afford our demands, but has chosen to take a hard line stance.”

In addition to adequate salary and benefits, teachers are asking for “reasonable class sizes, protections for academic freedom, and equal pay for equal work” which are priorities the union believes contribute to “building a strong, stable and sustainable workforce,” the press release said. 

The matter of academic freedom is a critical component of what the union is seeking, and is noted for being a “no-cost” component of contracts. 

“Faculty know that securing academic freedom in the contract is critical to defending public higher education as a place for free thinking and critical inquiry,” the release said. 

Academic freedom is already included in board policy and administrative procedures, but the union seeks the binding contract to reflect the same. 

Julie Lind, the executive secretary-treasurer of the San Mateo County Central Labor Council, expressed support for district faculty in the press release. 

“San Mateo County Community College District faculty are dedicated professionals who make our colleges work and ensure people across our community have access to the education and training they need to succeed,” Lind said. 

The teachers’ union has negotiated with the school district over the course of 21 bargaining meetings and three mediated sessions since February 2025, the press release said.

The teachers’ union represents over 850 faculty across the district’s three campuses, Cañada College in Redwood City, the College of San Mateo and Skyline College in San Bruno.