San Francisco Teachers Strike Over Pay & Healthcare

Schools in San Francisco closed their doors on Monday as approximately 6,000 educators, counselors, and nurses commenced a strike. This action, the first teacher strike in the city in half a century, impacts 50,000 students and follows nearly a year of stalled contract negotiations.

The United Educators of San Francisco and the San Francisco Unified School District have been in discussions regarding pay increases and escalating healthcare costs. Teachers are particularly concerned about family health insurance premiums, which they currently pay a significant portion of and are projected to increase further. The union is advocating for 100% coverage of family plans and a substantial pay raise over two years.

The school district has presented proposals including a phased pay raise and contributions to health benefits, emphasizing financial limitations. However, union leaders state that the district has the funds to meet their demands. The situation is further complicated by California's school funding model, which relies on student attendance, and has been affected by post-pandemic absenteeism.

A sympathy strike has also been launched by a separate union representing administrators and principals. There is currently no set end date for the ongoing teacher strike.