San Francisco Public Schoolteachers Strike Over Wages and Benefits

Thousands of teachers walk out as district and union fail to reach agreement on pay, healthcare, and resources for students.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Thousands of public schoolteachers in San Francisco went on strike on Monday, the first such strike in the city in nearly 50 years. The strike comes after teachers and the San Francisco Unified School District failed to reach an agreement over higher wages, health benefits, and more resources for special needs students. All 120 schools in the district were closed, affecting around 50,000 students.

Why it matters

The strike highlights the ongoing challenges facing public education in San Francisco, including issues of teacher retention, affordability, and support for vulnerable student populations. It also reflects broader tensions over the funding and priorities of the city's public school system.

The details

The union, United Educators of San Francisco, is demanding a 9% raise over two years, fully funded family healthcare, and the filling of vacant positions impacting special education and services. The district has countered with a 6% wage increase paid over three years, along with bonuses if there is a surplus by 2027-28. A neutral fact-finding panel recommended a compromise of a 6% increase over two years, largely siding with the district's arguments that it is financially constrained.

  • The strike began on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • Negotiations between the union and district were scheduled to resume midday on Monday.

The players

United Educators of San Francisco

The labor union representing San Francisco public schoolteachers.

San Francisco Unified School District

The public school district that oversees the city's 120 public schools and around 50,000 students.

Cassondra Curiel

President of the United Educators of San Francisco.

Maria Su

Superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District.

Daniel Lurie

Mayor of San Francisco.

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What they’re saying

“We are facing an affordability crisis. Family healthcare premiums of $1,500 per month are pushing excellent teachers and support staff out of our district. This week, we said enough is enough.”

— Cassondra Curiel, President, United Educators of San Francisco (ksgf.com)

“I know everyone participating in these negotiations is committed to schools where students thrive and our educators feel truly supported, and I will continue working to ensure that.”

— Daniel Lurie, Mayor of San Francisco (ksgf.com)

What’s next

Negotiations between the union and district were scheduled to resume midday on Monday, with the goal of reaching a new contract agreement to end the strike.

The takeaway

The San Francisco teachers' strike highlights the ongoing challenges facing public education in the city, including issues of teacher retention, affordability, and support for vulnerable student populations. The outcome of the negotiations will have significant implications for the future of San Francisco's public schools and the well-being of its students and educators.