SF teachers strike set to move forward SF teachers strike set to move forward

It appears San Francisco’s first teachers strike in nearly 50 years will happen Monday. As of Sunday evening, San Francisco Unified School District and union leaders are still at odds over pay and benefits, even after last-ditch discussions this weekend.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Classes on Monday were canceled for nearly 50,000 students in San Francisco as teachers went on strike for the first time in nearly 50 years.

The hope was that the school district and teachers union would be able to come to an agreement at the last minute this weekend, but that didn’t happen.

As of Sunday evening, San Francisco Unified School District and union leaders are still at odds over pay and benefits, even after last-ditch discussions this weekend. However, SFUSD officials say both sides will return to the bargaining table at noon Monday, with a district spokesperson saying she’s optimistic a deal can be reached.

“We will be going on strike Monday absent a signed tentative agreement,” said United Educators of San Francisco president Cassandra Curiel. 

Teachers union leaders made it clear Sunday that their members are ready to hit the picket lines for the first time in 47 years, as SFUSD canceled classes for Monday. 

“Schools are not going to be open tomorrow to students. That is the latest information and we don’t expect that to change,” said SFUSD spokesperson Laura Dudnick. 

Still no deal on pay, benefits

The impasse came after eight hours of talks Saturday that did produce a deal on one issue: programs for undocumented students. 

“We were able to make progress in a number of areas,” said Dudnick.

“We need to be clear. The proposals the district came with to address special education, healthcare and salaries just didn’t go far enough,” said Curiel.

Union leaders want fully-funded healthcare and a 9 to 14% raise over two years. The district counter-offered Saturday night with a $24,000 health benefits allowance and a 6% raise, but with cuts elsewhere.

“We will not sell out our students or our members to get a wage increase when we know the district has the money to do that,” said Curiel.

SFUSD pushed back, noting the district is in a structural deficit and remains under state oversight. 

“We don’t have unlimited money and have to make difficult choices,” said Dudnick.

District and union leaders say they’re open to more talks. 

“We do not want a strike,” said Dudnick. 

Lurie weighs in

Mayor Daniel Lurie Sunday called for more time. 

“I have asked both UESF and the school district to agree to three additional days for conversations to continue. T would allow kids to stay in the classroom,” said Lurie. 

“We agree with his proposal of a cooling-off period,” said Dudnick.

But the union says without a deal, a walkout will happen. 

“We’ll be on strike Monday,” said Curiel. 

What’s next:

The district says it’s working with community partners to provide childcare and food during the strike, and has sent out virtual assignments to students. But parents are ohping any strike is short-lived. 

“We survived COVID, so we’re going to have to pull together as a community , and we’re going to try to do the best that we can,” said SFUSD parent Tanya Lavelle. 

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