SFUSD teachers vote 99.34% to authorize strike

"San Francisco public school teachers today voted 99.34 percent to authorize a strike, following nearly nine months of unfruitful contract negotiations. Today's five-hour session at Balboa High School in the Excelsior is the first of two required votes that will determine if public school teachers go on strike. If that second vote comes to pass and the teachers and district don't reach a deal, it would be the first San Francisco teacher strike in 46 years. From 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, educators sporting union sweatshirts trickled in the courtyard at Balboa High School to cast their ballots. "Make sure to grab a snack before, because once you vote, you're out of the building," a volunteer repeatedly announced over a megaphone."

"It's not the first time: Two years ago, eight days after a 97 percent strike authorization vote, the teachers' union won a deal that gave them a $9,000 salary increase and an additional 5 percent raise in 2024. It also gave paraeducators a minimum salary of $30 an hour or an 8 percent raise."

San Francisco public school teachers authorized a strike by a 99.34 percent vote after nearly nine months of stalled contract negotiations. The vote took place during a five-hour session at Balboa High School and represents the first of two required authorizations that could lead to the first teacher strike in the city in 46 years if no deal is reached. Educators arrived in union apparel to cast ballots, and union leaders said district negotiation stances pushed members to the edge. The district highlighted use of third-party experts and a commitment to negotiate in good faith while facing a $113 million budget gap and proposed program cuts.

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