San Francisco Teachers Strike for First Time in 50 Years

Educators demand 9% pay raise and fully funded family healthcare, leaving 50,000 students out of school

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

San Francisco public school teachers have gone on strike for the first time in 50 years, shutting down all 120 of the city's public schools. The United Educators of San Francisco union is demanding a 9% pay raise over two years and fully funded health care benefits for dependents, which the district says would cost $92 million per year. The district has offered a 6% raise over three years plus bonuses, but the union has rejected this proposal.

Why it matters

This strike highlights the ongoing tensions between teachers' unions and school districts over compensation and benefits, especially in high-cost areas like San Francisco. It also disrupts the lives of 50,000 students and their working parents who must now find alternative childcare arrangements.

The details

Thousands of teachers protested outside school buildings, holding signs calling for "safe and stable schools" and "fully funded family healthcare." The district faces a $100 million deficit and is under state oversight for its fiscal management issues, including a previous plan to close schools that was reversed after parent backlash. Mayor Daniel Lurie made a last-ditch plea for continued negotiations, but the union rejected this request.

  • The strike began on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • The teachers' union and school district will meet again at the negotiating table on Monday at noon.

The players

United Educators of San Francisco

The union representing public school teachers in San Francisco, which has called the strike.

San Francisco Unified School District

The school district that oversees the city's 120 public schools, which is facing a $100 million deficit and is under state oversight.

Daniel Lurie

The mayor of San Francisco, who made a last-ditch plea for continued negotiations between the union and district.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 strike highlights the ongoing challenges facing public school districts in high-cost areas like San Francisco, where teachers are demanding better pay and benefits while the district grapples with budget deficits and fiscal oversight. The disruption to 50,000 students and their families underscores the broader impact of these labor disputes on the community.