97.6% of S.F. teachers vote to authorize strike - walkout could come in early February

"As expected, an overwhelming majority of San Francisco public school teachers have voted to authorize a walkout - which would be the first teachers' strike in this city since the late 1970s. A full 97.6 percent of the 5,202 United Educators San Francisco members who took part voted "yes," the teacher's union announced on Saturday morning. That percentage is in line with the 99.34 percent of teachers who voted to authorize a strike in December's preliminary vote."

"Under state law, a strike is not authorized until the completion of an independent "fact-finding" process. The non-binding report from that process is expected to be delivered on or about Wednesday, Feb. 4, meaning teachers could walk off the job shortly thereafter. If and when the teachers announce a strike date, Mission Local has learned that principals and administrators will hold an emergency meeting to vote on whether to hold a sympathy strike."

An overwhelming majority (97.6%) of 5,202 United Educators San Francisco members voted to authorize a walkout, mirroring a December preliminary vote. State law requires completion of an independent fact-finding process before a strike becomes authorized; the non-binding report is expected around Feb. 4, after which teachers could walk off. Principals and administrators plan an emergency meeting to consider a sympathy strike and are likely to vote solidarity. Union and district remain far apart on pay raises, dependent healthcare, and student-related proposals including sanctuary policies. The district cites declining enrollment and proposes cutting over $100 million; the union alleges unused reserves.

Read at Mission Local