San Francisco Teachers Strike Enters Day 3 as Negotiations Stall

Tensions rise as district and union fail to reach agreement overnight

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Schools in San Francisco remain closed as the city's first educator walkout since 1979 stretches into a third day. The tone between district staff, including Superintendent Maria Su, and union representatives has sharpened, with Su criticizing the union for leaving negotiations on Tuesday before reviewing the district's counterproposal. Both sides have stressed the need for urgency, but remain at odds over issues like teacher pay and healthcare coverage.

Why it matters

The ongoing strike highlights the challenges facing public education in San Francisco, with the district and teachers' union struggling to find common ground on key issues like compensation and benefits. The impasse disrupts learning for thousands of students and raises concerns about the district's financial stability if it meets the union's demands.

The details

The district has offered a 10% wage increase for classified employees, but the union is holding out for a 9% raise for teachers and 14% for other staff, as well as fully funded family healthcare. Superintendent Su has said meeting these demands would be "impossible" with one-time funds, but the district is now considering "all possibilities" to reach an agreement. Negotiations resumed on Wednesday morning, with both sides criticizing the other's lack of urgency.

  • The strike began on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • Negotiations continued into the night on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, before the union representatives left.
  • Negotiations resumed on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 11 a.m.

The players

Maria Su

Superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District.

Daniel Lurie

Mayor of San Francisco, who joined the union and district at the bargaining table on Tuesday evening.

San Francisco Teachers Union

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

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What they’re saying

“We are considering all possibilities.”

— Maria Su, Superintendent, San Francisco Unified School District (Mission Local)

What’s next

The union and district are expected to continue negotiations throughout the day on Wednesday, and possibly into the night, in an effort to reach an agreement and end the strike.

The takeaway

The ongoing teachers' strike in San Francisco highlights the complex challenges facing public education, with the district and union struggling to find common ground on issues like teacher pay and healthcare. The impasse disrupts learning for students and raises concerns about the district's financial stability, underscoring the need for all parties to work together to find a resolution that prioritizes the needs of both educators and students.