SF Teachers Union Announces Strike for Monday, But 11th-Hour Bargaining Continues

"Following two strike votes and the release of a fact-finding report, the San Francisco teachers' union says it will begin its first labor strike in almost 50 years on Monday. It is getting down to the wire and looking more likely that a historic teachers' strike could begin Monday, following a yearlong impasse between the SF Unified School District and the teachers' union over wage increases, benefits, and more. As the district struggles with a significant budget deficit, union reps insist that the distrct has reserve funds they should be tapping in order to meet teachers' needs."

""Since the strike vote, SFUSD management has begun exploring creative solutions, but so far, no proposals have been made," the union said in an email to members Thursday morning, announcing the strike date of February 9, per Mission Local. The email reportedly added, "While we appreciate the late stage urgency, we are left with no other option but to [strike]." If the strike happens, it will be the first time SF teachers have taken such a labor action since 1979, with all contract impasses since then getting resolved. That strike, 47 years ago, lasted for six weeks."

"But several sticking points remain. As the Chronicle reports, one of those sticking points is a hike in the cost teachers pay for family healthcare plans, which would go up to $1,500 per month from $1,200 per month. The district has reportedly offered to cover these premiums for three years, but at that point the deal would expire, and the union wants a greater commitment."

San Francisco teachers authorized a strike beginning Monday after two strike votes and a neutral fact-finding report. Negotiations with SF Unified School District have stalled for a year over wage increases, benefits, and other contract terms. Union leadership says the district has reserve funds that should be used to meet teacher needs despite a reported budget deficit. A major sticking point is an increase in family healthcare premiums from $1,200 to $1,500 per month; the district offered three years of premium coverage but the union seeks a longer commitment. Bargaining sessions are scheduled Thursday and Friday and could still avert the strike.

Read at sfist.com