Teachers Strike in San Francisco: Schools Shut, Families Struggle

Schools in San Francisco were closed on Monday when teachers walked off the job for the first time since 1979. The strike was sparked by demands for better health care and higher pay. About 50, 000 students were affected because parents had to find new child‑care and meals. Union leaders and the school district could not agree during a weekend meeting. Mayor Daniel Lurie asked both sides to keep schools open for three more days, hoping to avoid chaos. Negotiations resumed on Monday afternoon, but no end date was set for the strike. The district posted a notice that schools would stay closed on Tuesday. Parents were directed to the district website for learning, food and childcare help. Union president Cassondra Curiel said teachers were being pushed out by rising health‑care costs. She highlighted the “affordability crisis” that keeps many teachers from staying in the district. Teachers marched outside schools, rattling cowbells and drums. Signs read “On Strike for Safe and Stable Schools” and “Invest in the Schools Our Students Deserve. ” San Francisco school superintendent Maria Su told reporters that each day of strike hurts students. She said families struggle to find care and many vulnerable kids lose access to food, mental‑health support and school connections.The strike may signal more unrest in California. Teachers in Los Angeles and San Diego have also signaled willingness to strike for higher pay, smaller classes and more resources. The district faces a $102‑million deficit and has lost temporary COVID relief funds. Lawmakers like Nancy Pelosi and Scott Wiener urged a pause in the strike to keep classrooms open. The teachers’ union wants a 9% pay raise over two years and better health‑care coverage. The district offered a 6% raise over the same period. Health‑care premiums for teachers have risen sharply, reaching up to $1, 500 a month. Many teachers now commute to other cities because they cannot afford to stay in San Francisco. The union asked the district to cover most or all health‑care costs for teachers and their families. The district offered two options: 75% coverage through Kaiser or a $24, 000 yearly allowance. A tentative agreement on sanctuary school policy was reached to protect immigrant and refugee students. Teacher Cindy Castillo said stability means full support for special‑needs students, retention of educators of color and adequate security staff. The strike remains ongoing with no clear end in sight.