Approximately 6,000 public school teachers in San Francisco walked off the job Monday, initiating the city's first teacher strike in nearly 50 years. The action led to the closure of all 120 schools within the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), affecting roughly 50,000 students and their families.
The strike began after last-ditch contract negotiations between the United Educators of San Francisco (UESF) and the district failed over the weekend. Educators are demanding higher wages to cope with the city's high cost of living, improved health benefits, and increased resources for students, particularly those with special needs.
Key Takeaways
- Around 6,000 San Francisco teachers are on strike, the first such walkout in almost five decades.
- All 120 public schools are closed, impacting 50,000 students.
- The union is demanding a 9% raise over two years and better health coverage.
- The district has offered a 6% raise over three years, citing a $100 million budget deficit.
- Negotiations are ongoing, but schools will remain closed Tuesday.
Picket Lines Form Across the City
On Monday morning, teachers and school staff formed picket lines at schools across San Francisco, including Mission High School. Carrying signs and chanting, they voiced their demands for what they call a fair contract.
The atmosphere was one of solidarity, with educators expressing frustration over the prolonged negotiations, which have been ongoing for nearly a year. Many teachers say their current compensation makes it difficult to afford living in the city they serve.
"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," said Lily Perales, a history teacher at Mission High School, from the picket line. "We’re willing to be on strike until all of our demands are met."
The union plans to continue picketing and held a major rally at San Francisco City Hall on Monday afternoon to draw further attention to their cause.
The Core of the Dispute: Wages and Benefits
The central conflict revolves around compensation and school funding. The union and the district remain far apart on key economic issues, despite months of talks and the involvement of a neutral fact-finding panel.
Union Demands
The UESF is asking for a 9% salary increase over two years. Union leaders argue this is necessary to attract and retain qualified teachers. They also demand fully funded family health care, stating that San Francisco teachers receive some of the lowest contributions to their health plans in the Bay Area.
- A 9% raise over two years.
- Fully paid family health insurance.
- Filling of vacant positions, especially in special education.
- Policies to better support homeless and immigrant students.
Union President Cassondra Curiel affirmed the group's resolve at a news conference. "We will continue to stand together until we win the schools our students deserve and the contracts our members deserve," she stated.
District's Offer
The SFUSD has countered with a 6% wage increase spread over three years. District officials emphasize they are operating under significant financial constraints, including a $100 million deficit and state oversight due to a long-standing budget crisis.
By the Numbers: The Financial Divide
Union's Ask: 9% raise over 2 years (estimated cost: $92 million per year).
District's Offer: 6% raise over 3 years.
Neutral Recommendation: 6% raise over 2 years.
Superintendent Maria Su described the district's proposal as a "viable offer." On health care, the district proposed two options: either covering 75% of family coverage costs for a specific Kaiser plan or providing a $24,000 annual allowance for teachers to choose their own plan.
"This is an offer that we can afford," Su told reporters. "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."
Impact on Students and Families
With all schools closed, parents across the city were left to arrange for childcare. The district announced it would offer independent study materials for some of its 50,000 students, but the primary responsibility has fallen on families.
In response, community networks have activated. Rachel Machta, a parent of a transitional kindergarten student, said her child's after-school program has organized a full-day, donation-based camp. She noted that neighbors in her Mission Terrace community are also stepping up to help.
"Everyone is sharing resources, and our community is coming together to make sure there is coverage," Machta said. This grassroots support highlights the widespread impact of the school closures.
A Statewide Trend
The labor dispute in San Francisco is not an isolated event in California. Educators in other major districts are also facing contract stalemates. Teachers in San Diego have indicated they are prepared to strike next month, and United Teachers Los Angeles members have also authorized their leadership to call a strike if negotiations break down.
What Happens Next
Negotiations between the UESF and SFUSD were scheduled to resume Monday afternoon. Both sides have publicly stated their commitment to reaching an agreement, but significant gaps remain.
Mayor Daniel Lurie and U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi had urged the parties to continue talking to avoid a strike. Now that the walkout has begun, pressure is mounting to find a resolution quickly.
The district has already confirmed that schools will remain closed on Tuesday. For now, students, parents, and teachers are waiting to see if a compromise can be reached to reopen classrooms and end the historic strike.