UPDATE: Teachers in the San Francisco Unified School District are officially set to strike on Monday, July 15, 2023, after failed negotiations over key demands, including salary increases and improved health care benefits. Late Sunday, district officials confirmed that negotiations will resume at noon on Monday, but the strike will proceed regardless.
The decision to strike comes after a tense weekend where the United Educators of San Francisco and district representatives could not reach an agreement. Despite a tentative concession regarding protections for undocumented students, the union’s critical demands for fully-funded family healthcare, significant pay increases, and enhancements to special education services remain unmet.
“We have made it very clear that our demands are for fully-funded family healthcare, improvements to special education, and salary increases without concessions,” stated Cassondra Curiel, president of the United Educators of San Francisco. The union’s demands represent an estimated budget of $35 million, significantly less than the funding allocated to the San Francisco Police Department this year, despite a notable drop in crime rates.
Currently, teachers earn an average starting salary of $79,000, starkly lower than the starting pay for new police officers, which stands at $119,000. Furthermore, while police receive full health coverage, teachers contribute approximately five percent of their income towards health insurance, further complicating their financial situation.
Negotiations on Saturday extended nearly 12 hours, with the union presenting an offer around 2 PM and receiving a counter-offer around 8 PM. San Francisco’s Mayor Daniel Lurie publicly urged the union to postpone the strike to keep schools operational, a sentiment echoed by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.
Adding to the complexity, various unions including principals, administrators, custodians, and other school employees are expected to join the strike, significantly impacting the district’s operations. “A single administrator alone in a school building does not constitute a functioning or safe school environment. Under these conditions, keeping schools open puts students at risk,” noted Anna Klafter, president of the United Administrators of San Francisco.
In a move perceived as undermining, the district sent a confusing email over the weekend assigning staff to various sites, which many interpreted as an attempt to break the strike. Principals and teachers expressed outrage, with one principal stating, “It is absolutely embarrassing. I am embarrassed on their behalf.”
As the strike looms, the school district has announced plans to provide free breakfast and lunch for students, along with childcare for younger children. The San Francisco Department of Children, Youth and Their Families will also offer meals during the strike, and local churches are collaborating with Superintendent Maria Su to provide academic and recreational support.
With the strike officially on for Monday, the situation remains fluid. Parents and community members are advised to stay updated as negotiations continue and further developments unfold.
This urgent situation highlights the ongoing struggle for teachers in San Francisco, whose calls for fair pay and support for essential services are now at the forefront of public discourse. Stay tuned for more updates as the strike progresses.
