Nearly one year into bargaining, the Oakland Unified School District teachers union has voted to authorize a strike, which could take place as early as next week, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Ninety-one percent of those who voted opted to authorize the strike and are aiming for “a fair contract that ensures the safe, stable, racially-just schools Oakland students deserve,” union leaders said. They’ve maintained that Oakland Unified teachers are not paid as well as teachers in other Bay Area districts.
The union and school district have been disputing whether Oakland Unified can afford the union’s demands regarding pay and other issues. During the 2024-25 fiscal year, Oakland Unified lost $9.4 million in state revenue amid declining enrollment, according to the Chronicle, which noted the district is nearing bankruptcy.
Initially, the union was aiming for a 14% wage increase — but has since brought it down to 12%, the Chronicle reported. The fact-finding panel suggested a 9% or 10% increase instead.
“Throughout this time, the District has been trying to come to terms that honor OUSD educators for the work they do every day in service of our students, while at the same time staying within our means because of the very real financial challenges with which the District is currently contending,” district officials said in a statement, according to the Chronicle.
Union leaders did not immediately respond to the Chronicle’s request for comment.