URGENT UPDATE: San Francisco teachers are officially set to strike starting Monday after negotiations failed to meet their demands. Late Sunday evening, officials from the San Francisco Unified School District confirmed the strike, despite pleas for a 72-hour pause from city leaders.
The United Educators of San Francisco union and district officials could not reach an agreement over the weekend, with key demands for pay increases, full health care, and enhanced special education services still unmet. Negotiations are set to resume at noon Monday, but the union’s resolve remains firm.
“We have made it very clear that our demands are for fully-funded family healthcare, improvements to special education, and salary increases that do not come at the cost of concessions or takeaways,” stated Cassondra Curiel, president of the union. The union’s demands equate to a budget of approximately $35 million, a stark contrast to the $119,000 salary of a beginning police officer in San Francisco, compared to the $79,000 starting salary for teachers.
The urgency is palpable as Mayor Daniel Lurie and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi urged the union to postpone the strike to allow schools to remain operational. Despite nearly 12 hours of negotiations on Saturday, the union rejected a counter-offer that failed to satisfy their core requirements.
Adding to the tension, the principals and administrators’ unions will join the strike, as will custodians and other school employees. “A single administrator alone in a school building does not constitute a functioning or safe school environment,” remarked Anna Klafter, president of the United Administrators of San Francisco.
In a controversial move, the school district sent out an email assigning staff to various district sites for Monday, which many interpreted as an attempt to undermine the strike. “It is absolutely embarrassing,” said one principal, expressing frustration over the district’s tactics.
In response to the impending strike, the school district has announced plans to provide free breakfast and lunch for students, childcare for younger children, and independent study packets. The San Francisco Department of Children, Youth and Their Families will support with meals, while local churches partner with Superintendent Maria Su to offer academic and recreational assistance.
As the situation unfolds, families and students are urged to prepare for the strike. Schools anticipate significant disruptions, and the community is rallying to support affected families.
Stay tuned for developments as negotiations resume Monday afternoon, and watch for updates on the potential impact of this strike on students and educators alike.
