Historic Teacher Walkout Shakes San Francisco Schools
In a significant development for San Francisco’s education system, approximately 6,000 public school teachers initiated a strike on Monday, marking the first such event in nearly half a century.
The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) halted operations across its 120 schools, affecting around 50,000 students. The strike was triggered by unsuccessful negotiations over wage increases, health benefits, and enhanced resources for students with special needs. The district plans to offer independent study options for some students during the strike.
United Educators of San Francisco President Cassondra Curiel stated at a news conference, “We will continue to stand together until we win the schools our students deserve and the contracts our members deserve.”
Negotiations reached a stalemate over the weekend, prompting teachers to join the picket lines despite appeals from Mayor Daniel Lurie and Democratic U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi to maintain dialogue and avoid school closures.
Union members organized a rally at San Francisco City Hall on Monday afternoon. Further negotiations were scheduled to resume around midday.
SFUSD Superintendent Maria Su commented on the situation, stating, “This is a viable offer. It is an offer that we can afford,” emphasizing the district’s financial constraints. “We will be at the table and we will stay for as long as it takes to get to a full agreement. I do not want a prolonged strike.”
History teacher Lily Perales from Mission High School highlighted the financial struggles faced by educators, noting that many colleagues can no longer afford to live in San Francisco. “Too many of my colleagues have been pushed out of the city because of the high cost of living, and with our current contract it’s not enough,” she expressed. Her colleague, Aaron Hart, added that understaffing is a significant issue, leading to instability for students.
Over the past year, the union and district have been in discussions, with teachers advocating for fully funded family health care, salary increases, and filling vacant positions affecting special education.
The union also calls for policies supporting homeless and immigrant students and families. Their proposal for a 9% salary raise over two years would cost the district an additional $92 million annually, suggesting that reserve funds be redirected to classrooms and schools.
Facing a $100 million deficit and under state oversight, SFUSD countered with a 6% wage increase spread over three years, including bonuses if a financial surplus is achieved by the 2027-28 school year. A fact-finding panel recommended a compromise of a 6% increase over two years, aligning with the district’s fiscal limitations.
Teacher healthcare contributions in San Francisco are among the lowest in the Bay Area, prompting many to leave. Su mentioned offering two options: 75% coverage of family health insurance through Kaiser or a $24,000 annual allowance for health care selection.
Mayor Lurie, who previously mediated a hotel workers’ strike resolution, stated that city agencies are coordinating with SFUSD to support children and families during the strike. “I know everyone participating in these negotiations is committed to schools where students thrive and our educators feel truly supported, and I will continue working to ensure that,” Lurie posted on social media.
In addition to San Francisco, teachers in other major California cities are preparing for potential strikes. San Diego educators plan to strike next month over disputes regarding special education staff and services, while United Teachers Los Angeles members have authorized a strike if negotiations with the LA Unified School District fail.
A similar strike-authorization vote by Local 99 of Service Employees International Union, another large union within the school system, is slated for next week.
Associated Press reporter Christopher Weber contributed from Los Angeles.
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