San Francisco Public Schools Closed as Educators Strike Amidst Unresolved Negotiations
San Francisco public schools closed on Monday and Tuesday as approximately 6,000 educators, represented by the United Educators of San Francisco (UESF), began a strike following unresolved contract negotiations with the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). The work stoppage, the first teachers' strike in San Francisco since 1979, impacts an estimated 50,000 students and has led to sympathy strikes by other school staff unions.
Background on Negotiations and Demands
Negotiations between the UESF and SFUSD have been ongoing since March. Key issues at an impasse include educator wages, dependent health benefits, and increased staffing for special education students.
On Wednesday, a Public Employers Relations Board (PERB) fact-finding panel recommended a 6% wage increase over two years for educators. The UESF, however, has sought increases up to 14%. The union also advocates for fully-funded family healthcare. On Thursday evening, the district offered two partially-funded health benefit options along with a 6% raise over three years, which the union declined. The UESF asserts that the district's reported $111 million reserve could be utilized for salary increases.
Conversely, the SFUSD, which operates under state financial oversight, maintains that it cannot afford the union's demands, stating that its reserve is essential for demonstrating fiscal solvency and that it operates with a structural deficit.
Escalation and Sympathy Actions
The UESF announced its intent to strike on Thursday morning if an agreement was not reached by Monday. In solidarity, the United Administrators of San Francisco (UASF), representing 253 principals and administrators, authorized a sympathy strike. Clerks and custodians, represented by SEIU 1021, also authorized a sympathy strike. UASF President Anna Klafter stated that operating schools would not be safe if educators were on picket lines.
Negotiations continued through Saturday, lasting nearly 11 hours. UESF reported submitting an offer and receiving a counteroffer that evening, noting some progress on protections for undocumented students but indicating insufficient overall advancement on core demands. Superintendent Maria Su expressed her readiness to return to the bargaining table on Sunday.
On Sunday, Mayor Daniel Lurie, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and State Senator Scott Wiener appealed for a 72-hour delay of the strike to allow for continued negotiations. The UESF declined this request, confirming the strike would proceed on Monday without a signed agreement.
District Directives and Employee Responses
On Friday evening, the SFUSD sent emails to its employees, including teachers, administrators, and SEIU-represented staff, instructing them to report to "Staff Centers" on Monday for "redeployment assignments." The district stated these assignments were to ensure that employees who chose not to participate in the strike had a designated location and could support district operations, thus ensuring accurate pay.
Responses to this directive varied. Teachers, through informal channels, suggested the redeployment was an attempt to mobilize non-striking members. Anna Klafter, UASF president, noted potential confusion regarding reporting to sites that might have large picket lines. Mission Local reported eight sites were designated as Staff Centers, with the nature of the work to be performed remaining unconfirmed. UESF President Cassondra Curiel stated that the district's efforts would be better spent on a serious proposal for students and the community. Many district employees indicated they did not intend to cross picket lines.
Impact on Students and Families
The strike resulted in the closure of all SFUSD schools on Monday and Tuesday, affecting approximately 50,000 students. The district and city agencies implemented measures to mitigate the impact.
Measures included:
- SFUSD distributed over 2,600 independent instruction packets.
- The Department of Children, Youth and their Families provided meals to 2,350 young individuals and offered 1,000 childcare slots at city-provided sites and after-school programs.
- A network of 40 food distribution sites was established across the city, offering complimentary breakfast and lunch.
Families made various adjustments, including converting living spaces into classrooms for at-home learning and utilizing extended-care programs.
Some middle school students were observed unsupervised during school hours. Students also participated in picket lines at elementary schools to show support for educators.
Ongoing Negotiations and Official Statements
Teachers commenced picketing at various campuses across the city on Monday. SFUSD Director of Communications Laura Dudnick stated district representatives were awaiting the union to review a counterproposal. Superintendent Su stated that the district's bargaining team is prepared to negotiate "as long as it takes."
Mayor Lurie emphasized his role as a facilitator, acknowledging discussions on Saturday but noting a lack of dialogue on Sunday. Board of Education President Phil Kim affirmed respect for the union's right to strike and the need for improved support and pay for educators. This strike is part of a broader "We can’t wait" campaign by the California Teachers Association, reflecting similar labor actions in other districts statewide.
UESF President Curiel has stated that teachers will continue to strike until an acceptable contract is reached, reiterating the union's demands for fully funded family healthcare, increased wages, and additional support for special education students.