Teacher’s union AFT1493 has organized a new campaign to help gather as much support as they can in their quest to ensure fair pay for all faculty and staff, as impasse procedures continue to run their course.
The “Count on Me” campaign is designed to gather as many union members as possible to vote to authorize a union strike. The union posted a flier on their Instagram account on Friday, Jan. 9 to see who the union could count on to vote yes for a strike.
“We’ve been talking to our members about what they’re willing to do to win a fair contract,” said Chet Lexvold, executive director for AFT1493. “And they’re telling us, overwhelmingly, they are willing to go on strike to win a fair contract.”
Lexvold said the vote to authorize a strike within the union would take place in March; if the vote was successful a strike would be executed, but only if the impasse did not resolve the negotiations between them and the district. Lexvold added that their goal is not to go on strike, but to win a fair contract without the use of a strike. However, they would not be fearful to move through with their plans.
“We’re letting the district know, this is what’s coming if you don’t start bringing fair offers and we don’t resolve this contract dispute before the impasse procedure is over,” Lexvold said.
The impasse, which started in October 2025, was issued because the union and the district were unable to come to an agreement. Almost three months later, negotiations still remain stagnant. As a way to drum up support, union President Rika Yonemura-Fabian and Lexvold have been touring local political offices to explain their argument in hopes of receiving their support.
For example, they visited San Mateo County (SMC) Supervisor Noelia Corzo, California State Assembly member Diane Papan, and Deputy District Director Carol Ong from Congressman Kevin Mullen’s cabinet, who is a representative of SMC in Congress. Yonemura-Fabian said that during these meetings they stuck to their core message.
“We are here for the students,” Yonemura-Fabian said. “We believe that investment in faculty is a direct investment in students’ lives and for the best possible teaching and learning environment we can create.”
Yonemura-Fabian said that they have also been telling them the way the budgetary restrictions are currently made by the district has not been benefitting the students. As a result of their meeting, Congressman Mullen wrote a letter to district Chancellor Melissa Moreno in support of the union. In the letter, Mullen urged Moreno and the district to come to an agreement with the union because their livelihoods are being affected everyday by the continuing negotiations. Mullen also wrote, “Providing faculty with fair compensation strengthens the campus community and allows them to focus more on serving students.”
There is no indication as to when negotiations will end but the next step in the union’s plan is to attend the board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 5 p.m. at the district office and once again share their thoughts. Lexvold said he is expecting a big turnout with faculty and students.
