The ongoing stalemate in labor negotiations between the Sacramento City Unified School District and the Service Employees International Union could lead to a scenario where students face picket lines on campus when in-person learning resumes next week.
The local SEIU chapter, which represents 1,900 members including custodians, bus drivers, instructional aides and food service workers, announced on Thursday that it is planning a two-day strike.
The strike dates are April 22 and 23.
The union contends it still has concerns about safety and affordable child care for its members.
"The main thing we want is for the distancing to be universal, for the N-95 mask to be fitted. And, we need to figure a way to get daycare for our kids," said Karla Faucett, SEIU chapter president.
However, the district countered those claims.
"The main concerns are not health and safety, as framed by SEIU, but instead center on the amount of stipends their members will receive and whether their members will receive child care provided by the district," read a SCUSD statement.
On April 12, the Public Employment Relations Board granted a request to move both parties into the mediation process. Both parties are tentatively scheduled to meet on Monday, according to the district.
The Sacramento City Teachers Association voted to support the SEIU workers with a sympathy strike.