 and the United Educators of San Francisco union collapsed, impacting roughly 50,000 students.){kind=link}
San Francisco public schools were closed Monday after contract negotiations between the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and the United Educators of San Francisco union collapsed, impacting roughly 50,000 students.
The walkout marks the city’s first teachers strike since 1979.
Union Cites Pay, Healthcare, and Special Education Concerns
Union leaders said negotiations broke down over wages, healthcare benefits, and special education staffing. While some progress was made — including an agreement on sanctuary school policies — the union said the district’s proposals fell short.
“We were ready to finally hear that the district was prepared to come to an agreement,” the union said in a statement. “But the proposals just didn’t go far enough.”
Sympathy Strikes Expand Closures
School closures widened after principals, administrators, custodians, and other staff announced sympathy strikes. Families were notified late Friday that campuses would not open Monday, according to local reports.
A rally was scheduled at San Francisco’s Civic Center as negotiations stalled.
District Cites Budget Crisis
SFUSD said talks have been ongoing since March 2025 and pointed to a worsening financial situation. The district has recommended a 3% wage increase effective July 2025, followed by another 3% raise in July 2026.
Union President Cassondra Curiel criticized the district’s pace, saying officials lacked urgency despite repeated assurances of a serious offer.
City Offers Limited Support Services
Mayor Daniel Lurie said city departments would provide free meals and limited child care during the closures. Neither SFUSD nor the teachers union responded to requests for further comment.
Negotiations remained unresolved as the strike continued.
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