Teachers strike closes SF schools as union, district at odds over pay and health care

"Those nearly 48,000 students didn't attend class because teachers, educators and the district are still at odds over raises and health care benefits. Both the district and the union spoke on Monday and said that a strike is not ideal, but they have not come to an agreement. Both sides say that they have come to an agreement on some issues, but wages and health care appear to still be the sticking points."

"As far as wages go, the educators said they want 4.5% each year for two years. Initially, the district offered 2% raises for the next three years, but now it has offered 3% each year for two years. It has also offered a $24,000 health benefit allowance, which the educators' union spoke out against on Monday. "We have health care at 75% on the table," union president Cassondra Curiel said. "Our team is coming back. We demand 100% coverage for dependence on our health care.""

"Just after the union press conference Monday morning, the school district held its own. Superintendent Su said that she and her bargaining team are working hard to come to an agreement, but are working under constraints. "The San Francisco Unified School District does not have unlimited funds," Dr. Su said. "We are managing a structural deficit, and we are currently still under state oversight. These realities shape every decision that we have to make.""

Teachers and educators in San Francisco are on strike for the first time in 47 years, resulting in nearly 48,000 students staying home. The dispute centers on wage increases and health care coverage, with educators seeking 4.5% raises each year for two years. The district initially offered 2% raises for three years and later proposed 3% each year for two years plus a $24,000 health benefit allowance. The union demands 100% dependent coverage and criticized the health allowance. The district says budget constraints, a structural deficit, and state oversight limit its options. Bargaining continues and parents will be notified about further closures.

Read at ABC7 San Francisco