SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — In a landmark move, thousands of public schoolteachers in San Francisco went on strike on Monday, marking the first such action in the city in almost half a century. This strike unexpectedly halted operations at all 120 public schools in the district, impacting around 50,000 students. The United Educators of San Francisco, representing the teachers, cited a lack of agreement with the district over critical issues such as salary increases, healthcare benefits, and resources for special needs students.
Union President Cassondra Curiel emphasized the escalating affordability crisis, stating that health care costs were causing teachers to leave the district. This week, we said enough is enough, Curiel asserted, highlighting the urgency for better conditions.
Negotiations had been ongoing for nearly a year without resolution, with the teachers seeking a 9% raise over two years, totaling an additional $92 million yearly for the district. However, the district is offering a 6% raise spread over three years, with no allowance for the demands regarding healthcare support.
As both sides prepare for continued negotiations, union leaders are advocating for policies that would benefit homeless and immigrant families, underlining the broader impact of the strike beyond mere salary disputes. Mayor Daniel Lurie and U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi have urged both parties to resume negotiations to resolve the situation and support the community affected by the strike.
Union President Cassondra Curiel emphasized the escalating affordability crisis, stating that health care costs were causing teachers to leave the district. This week, we said enough is enough, Curiel asserted, highlighting the urgency for better conditions.
Negotiations had been ongoing for nearly a year without resolution, with the teachers seeking a 9% raise over two years, totaling an additional $92 million yearly for the district. However, the district is offering a 6% raise spread over three years, with no allowance for the demands regarding healthcare support.
As both sides prepare for continued negotiations, union leaders are advocating for policies that would benefit homeless and immigrant families, underlining the broader impact of the strike beyond mere salary disputes. Mayor Daniel Lurie and U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi have urged both parties to resume negotiations to resolve the situation and support the community affected by the strike.
