97.6% of S.F. public school teachers vote to authorize strike

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An overwhelming 97.6% of San Francisco's 5,202 public school teachers have voted to authorize a strike, which would be the city's first teachers' strike since the late 1970s. The vote comes after months of failed contract negotiations between the United Educators San Francisco union and the school district over issues like pay raises, healthcare, and policies for students.

Why it matters

A teachers' strike in San Francisco would significantly disrupt the education of tens of thousands of public school students and their families. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between teachers' unions and school districts over funding priorities and the value placed on educators.

The details

The teachers' union and school district remain far apart on key issues like pay raises, healthcare for dependents, and various proposals for students, including 'sanctuary' policies. The district has moved to cut over $100 million from the budget due to declining enrollment and shortfalls, while the union has accused the district of sitting on hundreds of millions in reserves.

• The independent 'fact-finding' process is expected to be completed on or about Wednesday, Feb. 4.
• Teachers could walk off the job shortly after the fact-finding report is delivered.

What’s next

The independent 'fact-finding' process is expected to be completed on or about Wednesday, Feb. 4, meaning teachers could walk off the job shortly thereafter. Principals and administrators will also hold an emergency meeting to vote on whether to hold a sympathy strike in solidarity with the teachers.