San Francisco Teachers Union Rejects Mayor's Timeout Request, Strike to Begin Monday

UESF says they will strike unless a last-minute deal is reached with SFUSD

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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With less than 24 hours before the start of the school week, the United Educators of San Francisco (UESF) union has rejected Mayor Daniel Lurie and Representative Nancy Pelosi's request for a three-day timeout to continue negotiations and keep schools open. UESF President Cassondra Curiel stated the union will strike on Monday unless a tentative agreement is signed with the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).

Why it matters

The looming teachers' strike in San Francisco comes at a critical time, as the city's public school system is still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. A prolonged strike could further disrupt student learning and put additional strain on families who rely on schools for childcare. The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between teachers' unions, school districts, and local government over issues like pay, benefits, and working conditions.

The details

Mayor Lurie and Rep. Pelosi had requested a three-day timeout to allow UESF and SFUSD to continue negotiations and keep schools open this week. However, union representatives have declined to call off the strike, stating they need to see 'serious movement' from the district on their proposals. SFUSD has sent mixed messages, saying schools could open on Monday if a last-minute deal is reached, even after telling parents on Friday that schools would be closed indefinitely starting this week.

  • On Sunday, Mayor Lurie and Rep. Pelosi requested a three-day timeout to allow negotiations to continue.
  • UESF President Cassondra Curiel stated the union will strike on Monday unless a tentative agreement is signed with SFUSD.

The players

Daniel Lurie

The mayor of San Francisco who requested a three-day timeout to allow negotiations to continue between UESF and SFUSD.

Nancy Pelosi

The U.S. Representative for California's 12th congressional district, who echoed Mayor Lurie's request for a three-day timeout.

Cassondra Curiel

The president of the United Educators of San Francisco (UESF) union, who stated the union will strike on Monday unless a tentative agreement is signed with SFUSD.

United Educators of San Francisco (UESF)

The labor union representing teachers and other staff in the San Francisco Unified School District.

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)

The public school district serving the city of San Francisco.

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What they’re saying

“We need to see serious movement from the District. Our team is working hard today to respond to the proposals we received last night.”

— Cassondra Curiel, UESF President (Facebook)

“Our students and our parents need certainty ahead of tomorrow.”

— Daniel Lurie, Mayor of San Francisco (Instagram)

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 looming teachers' strike in San Francisco highlights the ongoing tensions between teachers' unions, school districts, and local government over issues like pay, benefits, and working conditions. A prolonged strike could further disrupt student learning and put additional strain on families, underscoring the need for all parties to come to a resolution that addresses the concerns of educators while minimizing the impact on students and the community.