Striking SF Teachers Rally In Dolores Park as Tensions Mount Over Deal

"Frustrated parents of SF schoolkids are speaking out in the media, and union reps are keeping up a brave face as a potential third day of the San Francisco teachers' strike looms. School district officials and union negotiators may be getting closer to a deal, but nothing has yet been announced after a bargaining session went until around 11 pm Monday night."

"The two sides are still two percentage points apart on the issue of a pay raise for teachers spread over two years, as the Chronicle reports. The union has come down from 9% to 8% over two years, while the district's last proposal was for 6% over two years. Coming out of Monday, teachers' aides will get a 10% raise over two years, with the district reportedly agreeing to this, and aides will get an extra hour added to their workdays."

Frustrated parents and union representatives are reacting as a potential third day of the San Francisco teachers' strike approaches. Negotiations extended late into Monday night with no announced deal, and teachers planned rallies and a march. The union reduced its pay-demand to 8% over two years while the district offered 6%, leaving a two-point gap. Teachers' aides reportedly secured a 10% raise and an extra hour. The union seeks fully funded family healthcare and paid sabbaticals and AP prep periods, while the district cites budget deficits and declining enrollment and says it cannot afford all demands. State advisors retain veto power over tentative agreements.

Read at sfist.com