Fresno Unified Workers Protest Layoffs and Hiring Freezes

SEIU workers, union leaders, and community members voice concerns over budget cuts impacting classified staff

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Fresno Unified classified workers, joined by union leaders and community members, aired grievances at a School Board meeting about potential layoffs, hiring freezes, and denied raises. They argued that any cuts to classified staff like bus drivers and janitors would negatively impact student learning conditions and school operations. The district faces a $50 million budget deficit over the next two years as COVID-era funding ends and enrollment declines.

Why it matters

Fresno Unified's classified workers, considered the 'backbone' of the district, are concerned that budget cuts will lead to burnout, staff turnover, and further enrollment decline - perpetuating the district's financial challenges. The debate highlights the difficult decisions school districts across California are facing as they try to balance budgets amid declining enrollment and the end of pandemic-era funding.

The details

Fresno Unified's SEIU union, representing classified employees, is negotiating a new three-year contract with the district. The previous contract ended in June 2025. The district says it is implementing 'strategic elimination of particular kinds of services' to address the budget deficit, including targeted hiring freezes, eliminating vacant positions, and reductions in force across all employee classifications. However, classified workers argue these cuts will undermine the health and safety of students.

  • The previous SEIU contract with Fresno Unified ended on June 30, 2025.
  • New contract negotiations between SEIU and the district began in early August 2025.

The players

Albert Rojas

A grounds worker at Fresno Unified School District.

SEIU Local 521

The union representing classified employees at Fresno Unified, including bus drivers and janitors.

Fresno Unified School District

The public school district serving the city of Fresno, California, which is facing a $50 million budget deficit over the next two years.

Mike Karbassi

The Fresno City Council President, who spoke in support of Fresno Unified's classified employees during a council meeting.

Manuel Bonilla

The president of the Fresno Teachers Association.

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What they’re saying

“Any decision that reduces or destabilizes operations at schools will inevitably impact (student) learning conditions.”

— Albert Rojas, Grounds worker (gvwire.com)

“It is disappointing to see and hear that FUSD leadership is even considering layoffs or hiring freezes for classified workers. We're the lowest paid workers and yet what we do directly supports the health and safety of the students.”

— Albert Rojas, Grounds worker (gvwire.com)

“I strongly recommend the district should not balance their budget by freezing wages on the lowest paid employees in our district. I'm talking about our classified employees. Classified employees ensure that Fresno students get to school, have safe and healthy schools, and are fed every day.”

— Mike Karbassi, Fresno City Council President (gvwire.com)

“If you're asked to do more with less time, the quality of the work dips. If you have less staff, how are those standards met for the students, right?”

— Andrew Martinez, Grounds worker (gvwire.com)

“With the district project reserve levels over 10% at the end of the year, layoffs should not be inevitable. They are a choice.”

— Manuel Bonilla, Fresno Teachers Association President (gvwire.com)

What’s next

The Fresno Unified School Board will continue contract negotiations with SEIU Local 521 as the district works to address its budget deficit.

The takeaway

Fresno Unified's classified workers, who are essential to supporting student learning and school operations, are deeply concerned that budget cuts will undermine their ability to do their jobs effectively. This debate highlights the difficult tradeoffs school districts across California are facing as they try to balance budgets amid declining enrollment and the end of pandemic-era funding.