San Francisco Teachers Strike for 2% Raise

Week-long walkout disrupts students' education

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Teachers in the San Francisco Unified School District went on strike for a week, demanding a 2% pay raise, which resulted in school closures and disrupted the education of thousands of students.

Why it matters

Teacher strikes are a contentious issue, with unions arguing for fair compensation while critics say the actions prioritize adult interests over student needs. This strike highlights the ongoing debate over the role of teachers' unions and the impact of labor disputes on public education.

The details

The San Francisco teachers' union, United Educators of San Francisco, called for the strike after contract negotiations with the school district stalled. The union was seeking a 2% raise, which the district initially rejected. After a week of picketing and school closures, the two sides reached a tentative agreement that included the 2% raise.

  • The strike began on February 6, 2026 and lasted for one week.
  • On February 13, 2026, the teachers' union and school district reached a tentative agreement to end the strike.

The players

United Educators of San Francisco

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

San Francisco Unified School District

The public school district serving the city of San Francisco.

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What they’re saying

“Our members deserve fair compensation for the important work they do, but this strike has been incredibly disruptive for our students and families.”

— Gabriela López, President, San Francisco Board of Education (San Francisco Chronicle)

“We had no choice but to strike to get the district to take our demands seriously. A 2% raise is the bare minimum to keep up with the cost of living.”

— Cassondra Curiel, President, United Educators of San Francisco (KQED)

What’s next

The tentative agreement reached between the teachers' union and school district must still be ratified by the union membership and approved by the San Francisco Board of Education.

The takeaway

This strike underscores the ongoing tension between teachers' unions and school districts over issues of compensation and the impact of labor disputes on students' education. As the cost of living continues to rise, these types of labor actions are likely to continue unless systemic changes are made to address the needs of both educators and the students they serve.