All 120 schools in the San Francisco Unified School District remained closed for a third consecutive day on Wednesday as a city-wide teachers' strike entered its next phase. Approximately 6,000 educators have walked off the job, leaving nearly 50,000 students out of the classroom and forcing thousands of families to find alternative arrangements.
The strike, organized by the United Educators of San Francisco, centers on demands for higher wages, fully funded family health benefits, and increased resources for students with special needs. As negotiations with the district continue, the impact is being felt across the city, from picket lines to living rooms.
Key Takeaways
- Approximately 6,000 San Francisco teachers are on strike, closing 120 public schools.
- Nearly 50,000 students are affected by the ongoing school closures.
- The core issues in the dispute are wages, family health benefits, and staffing for special education.
- Parents are facing significant challenges with childcare and work schedules, with some taking unpaid leave.
- Negotiations between the teachers' union and the school district have not yet produced an agreement.
Parents Face Uncertainty and Financial Strain
For families across San Francisco, the strike has created a daily puzzle of logistics and financial pressure. Many parents, caught between supporting teachers and managing their own responsibilities, are expressing growing concern over the strike's duration.
Connor Haught, a parent of two daughters aged 8 and 9, is working from home while trying to keep his children engaged. "The big concern for parents is really the timeline of it all and trying to prepare for how long this could go on," Haught said, highlighting the uncertainty that makes planning difficult.
While some families have turned to full-day programs offered by after-school organizations, others are relying on relatives or taking time off work. Sonia Sanabria, a restaurant cook, stayed home to care for her 5-year-old daughter and 11-year-old nephew. "If the strike continues, I’ll have to ask my job for a leave of absence, but it will affect me because if I don’t work, I don’t earn," she explained.
Despite the personal hardship, Sanabria expressed support for the educators. "I think they deserve that because they teach our children, they take care of them and are helping them to have a better future," she added. "I just hope they reach agreement soon."
A Citywide Disruption
The closure of 120 schools impacts a diverse student body and a wide network of working families. Community organizations and churches have stepped in to offer support, with some providing free lunches to children who would normally rely on school meals.
The Sticking Points in Negotiations
Negotiations between the United Educators of San Francisco and the school district have been ongoing for nearly a year, but key disagreements remain. The union's demands are rooted in the high cost of living in the city and the need to attract and retain qualified educators.
Wages and Benefits at the Forefront
The union initially proposed a 9% wage increase over two years, arguing it is necessary to help teachers afford to live in one of the nation's most expensive cities. They are also demanding that the district fully fund family health care plans.
The district has countered with a 6% wage increase spread over three years. Officials point to a significant budget shortfall as a major constraint.
The San Francisco Unified School District is currently facing a $100 million deficit and is under state oversight due to its financial crisis, complicating its ability to meet the union's demands.
Beyond compensation, teachers are advocating for better support for students. Lily Perales, a history teacher at Mission High School, emphasized that the strike is about ensuring student stability. "We believe our students deserve to learn safely in schools, and that means having fully staffed schools," she said while on the picket line. "That means retaining teachers by offering them competitive wage packages and health care."
District and Union Officials Trade Blame
As the strike wore on, both sides presented their case to the public. On Wednesday morning, Superintendent Maria Su stated that the district was ready to negotiate through the night but claimed union negotiators had left the table.
"We have been ready to negotiate this entire time. We are prepared and committed to getting this agreement done today," Su said at a press conference.
The union, however, maintains that the district has not made a serious offer that addresses the core needs of its members and students. The stalemate leaves parents and students waiting for a resolution. The district confirmed that schools would remain closed on Thursday.
On Wednesday, hundreds of teachers gathered at Ocean Beach in a powerful visual demonstration, forming the word "STRIKE" with their bodies on the sand to draw attention to their cause.
Community Calls for a Swift Resolution
The ongoing disruption has prompted community groups to call for compromise. The San Francisco Parents Coalition held an event urging both parties to find common ground quickly.
"Everyday that the schools are closed, it comes with incredible pain and cost to many, many, children," said Mahdi Rahimi, a father with a son in the district.
As negotiations continue behind closed doors, the city's families are left to navigate the day-to-day reality of a school system at a standstill, hoping for the news that will allow their children to return to the classroom.