San Francisco Teachers Strike for Better Wages and Resources

Tue Feb 10 2026 01:10:49 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a historic move, thousands of public schoolteachers in San Francisco have initiated their first strike in nearly 50 years, demanding better pay, health benefits, and additional resources for special needs students amidst a significant financial crisis faced by the district.

The strike, driven by escalating costs and low healthcare contributions affecting teacher retention, has led to the closure of all San Francisco Unified School District schools. Union leaders are advocating for a 9% raise and substantial enhancements in health coverage, while the district counters with a more modest offer, citing a $100 million deficit. The situation remains tense as negotiations continue and city officials encourage both sides to reach a compromise.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — In a landmark event for the city, thousands of public schoolteachers in San Francisco have gone on strike for the first time in nearly five decades. The move is a response to failed negotiations with the San Francisco Unified School District over critical issues such as wages, health benefits, and resources for special needs students.

All 120 schools in the district are now closed, affecting approximately 50,000 students, while independent study options are being offered as alternatives. Cassondra Curiel, president of the United Educators of San Francisco, articulated the urgent need for change, stating, We are facing an affordability crisis. She emphasized that exorbitant healthcare premium prices are driving talented teachers out of the district: Family healthcare premiums of $1,500 per month are pushing excellent teachers and support staff out of our district. This week, we said enough is enough.

Despite efforts from Mayor Daniel Lurie and Democratic U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi urging both parties to continue negotiations and avoid school closures, no agreement was reached over the weekend, prompting union members to join the picket lines.

The union, which has been negotiating with the district for nearly a year, is advocating for a 9% raise over two years, which they argue could be financed through reserve funds redirecting money back to school sites. In contrast, the SFUSD, currently facing a $100 million deficit and under state oversight due to financial strains, has only proposed a 6% raise over three years while further offering bonuses if there is a surplus by the 2027-28 school year.

An independent report recently recommended a compromise of a 6% pay increase, aligning more closely with the district's financial concerns. Nevertheless, union leaders claim that the contributions San Francisco teachers receive towards healthcare costs are among the lowest in the Bay Area, advocating for policies to better support homeless and immigrant students and families.

As the teachers remain firm in their cause, city agencies are working to coordinate support for affected families and children during this critical time. The outcome of this strike could have profound implications for education and labor relations in the district.