URGENT UPDATE: Teachers in the San Francisco Unified School District are officially set to strike on Monday, October 16, 2023, following failed negotiations over the weekend. Despite city leaders’ pleas for a 72-hour pause to allow for further discussions, no agreement was reached, prompting the United Educators of San Francisco to proceed with the walkout. Negotiations are scheduled to resume at noon on Monday.
The union’s demands include fully-funded family healthcare, significant pay increases, and improved special education services, all of which were denied by district officials. As Cassondra Curiel, president of the United Educators of San Francisco, stated, “We have made it very clear that our demands are for fully-funded family healthcare… and salary increases that do not come at the cost of concessions.”
The estimated cost of fulfilling these demands is around $35 million, a figure that stands in stark contrast to the San Francisco Police Department’s budget, which is nearly double that amount despite a decline in crime rates. Teachers currently earn an average starting salary of $79,000, significantly less than the $119,000 starting salary for new SFPD officers, who also receive full healthcare coverage.
Negotiations lasted nearly 12 hours on Saturday, but an agreement remained elusive. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged the union to postpone the strike to keep schools open and safe for students. However, the union’s leadership determined that their demands were not being taken seriously.
In a show of solidarity, principals and administrators, along with custodians and other school employees, plan to join the strike. Anna Klafter, president of the United Administrators of San Francisco, highlighted the risks of operating schools with insufficient staff, stating, “A single administrator alone in a school building does not constitute a functioning or safe school environment.”
Adding to the tension, the school district sent out confusing emails over the weekend, assigning employees to various sites in an apparent effort to undermine the strike. Staff members have expressed their embarrassment over the district’s actions, feeling that it disrespects their decision to stand together.
As the strike looms, the school district has announced plans to provide free breakfast and lunch for students, childcare for younger children, and independent study packets during the strike. The San Francisco Department of Children, Youth and Their Families will also offer meals, while local churches collaborate with Superintendent Maria Su to provide academic and recreational support.
The situation is rapidly evolving, and parents are advised to stay informed as the strike progresses. SFGate has compiled resources for families to navigate this challenging period.
Stay tuned for more updates as negotiations resume and the strike unfolds.
