San Francisco Public Schoolteachers Strike Over Wages and Health Benefits

First teachers' strike in the city in nearly 50 years as union and district fail to reach agreement

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. The district closed all 120 schools and will offer independent study to some of the district's 50,000 students.

Why it matters

This strike highlights the ongoing tensions between teachers' unions and school districts over issues of compensation and resources, especially in high-cost urban areas like San Francisco. The outcome could set a precedent for teacher contract negotiations in other California school districts facing budget constraints.

The details

The union, United Educators of San Francisco, is demanding a 9% raise over two years, which would mean an additional $92 million per year for the district. The district has countered with a 6% wage increase paid over three years, as well as bonuses if there is a surplus by the 2027-28 school year. A neutral fact-finding panel recommended a compromise of a 6% increase over two years. The union says San Francisco teachers receive some of the lowest contributions to their health care costs in the Bay Area, pushing many to leave the district.

  • 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 union representing San Francisco public schoolteachers.

San Francisco Unified School District

The school district that oversees the city's public schools, which is facing a $100 million deficit and is under state oversight due to a long-standing financial crisis.

Cassondra Curiel

President of the United Educators of San Francisco.

Daniel Lurie

The mayor of San Francisco who urged the two sides to keep talking rather than shut down schools.

Nancy Pelosi

Democratic U.S. Representative for San Francisco who also urged the two sides to keep talking.

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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 (wbal.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 (wbal.com)

What’s next

Negotiations between the union and district were scheduled to resume midday on Monday.

The takeaway

This strike highlights the ongoing challenges facing urban school districts in balancing the needs of teachers and students amid budget constraints. The outcome could set an important precedent for teacher contract negotiations in other high-cost California school districts.