San Francisco public schools remained closed for a third consecutive day on Wednesday (February 11) as approximately 6,000 teachers continued their strike, leaving 50,000 students without classroom instruction.
The work stoppage, which began Monday, marks the first teachers’ strike in San Francisco in nearly 50 years. The United Educators of San Francisco and the San Francisco Unified School District have been locked in negotiations for almost a year over wages, health benefits, and resources for students with special needs.
“We will continue to stand together until we win the schools our students deserve and the contracts our members deserve,” said Cassondra Curiel, president of the United Educators of San Francisco, at a Monday news conference.
The union initially requested a 9% raise over two years, arguing the increase is necessary to offset San Francisco’s high cost of living. The school district, which faces a $100 million deficit and is under state oversight due to ongoing financial problems, countered with a 6% wage increase spread over three years.
San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Maria Su has expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations. “This is a viable offer. It is an offer that we can afford,” Su said of the district’s proposal. “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.”
Despite efforts by San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and Representative Nancy Pelosi to keep negotiations going and schools open, talks broke down over the weekend. Both sides continue to meet at the bargaining table, with the district awaiting a counteroffer from the union.
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