San Francisco Unified School District teachers call for Monday strike if no deal is reached
The union representing San Francisco Unified School District teachers announced Thursday that a strike will take place early next week if an agreement with the district is not reached.
Cassondra Curiel, president of the United Educators of San Francisco, said teachers would strike on Monday unless a deal was reached.
"We are announcing the strike here this morning because we want our community and families to be prepared," Curiel said at a news conference outside district headquarters. "We did not come to this decision lightly."
Both sides have been far apart, with the union seeking a 9% salary increase over two years and fully paid healthcare coverage for dependents. Meanwhile, the district has offered a 4% raise over two years.
"We want to be in our classrooms and school sites with all of our students. We have been saying for a long time that we will do whatever it takes to win the schools our students deserve, so here we are," Curiel added.
An independent fact-finding report released Wednesday recommended a raise of 6% over two years. As for health care, the report said providing healthcare for dependents was "not feasible" due to the district's current finances and recommended using parcel tax money to provide the benefit for three years.
"We know that the district can prioritize the resources necessary to ensure that every classroom and school is staffed by educators," Curiel said. "Our students need to learn and thrive."
Following the announcement, Superintendent Maria Su said in a statement, "We value our educators, and I do not want a strike. I share the concern and uncertainty this creates for families. I am committed to working around the clock to reach an agreement while also preparing for possible disruptions to the school day."
Mayor Daniel Lurie said in a statement Wednesday that he had been in regular contact with the district and the teachers' union, urging them to continue discussions.
"It is crucial that our schools remain open. Every day in the classroom matters," Lurie said.
Both sides were expected to meet starting at 5 p.m. Thursday.
The strike would be the first labor stoppage involving San Francisco teachers since 1979.