San Francisco Teachers Union, District Negotiate Over Weekend to Avert Monday Strike

Walkout would disrupt schools, families, and city services if no deal reached

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Negotiators for the San Francisco Unified School District and the teachers union, United Educators of San Francisco, are returning to the bargaining table on Saturday in a last-ditch effort to reach an agreement and avoid a planned strike by teachers on Monday. The two sides have been at odds for months over issues like teacher pay, health care benefits, class sizes, and support for special education students.

Why it matters

A strike by San Francisco's public school teachers would have far-reaching impacts on the city, disrupting education for tens of thousands of students, forcing parents to find alternative childcare, and potentially affecting municipal services and local businesses that rely on school schedules. The negotiations also come amid ongoing financial challenges for the district that led to state intervention.

The details

The district is offering 2% raises each of the next three years, while teachers want a 9% raise over two years. The two sides also remain at odds over health care benefits, with the union seeking a permanent commitment for full family coverage. An independent fact-finding report recommended a 6% raise over two years as a compromise. The district says its latest proposal matches the union's stated priorities, but the union has not provided a counteroffer.

  • Negotiators are set to meet on Saturday afternoon to continue talks.
  • The planned strike is scheduled to begin on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

San Francisco Unified School District

The public school district serving the city of San Francisco.

United Educators of San Francisco

The labor union representing San Francisco's public school teachers.

Cassondra Curiel

President of the United Educators of San Francisco.

Laura Dudnick

Spokesperson for the San Francisco Unified School District.

Emily de Ayora

Spokesperson for the San Francisco Parents Coalition.

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What they’re saying

“The only way I can pull the emergency brake on this bus is to have a full agreement.”

— Cassondra Curiel, President, United Educators of San Francisco (San Francisco Chronicle)

“We remain committed to negotiating throughout the weekend, beginning at 2:00 p.m. today, to reach an agreement so we can avoid a strike.”

— Laura Dudnick, Spokesperson, San Francisco Unified School District (San Francisco Chronicle)

“We think both of those things can be true. We believe that both sides can come together without a strike.”

— Emily de Ayora, Spokesperson, San Francisco Parents Coalition (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.