Video San Francisco schools close as teachers strike over pay and health care

February 10, 2026 - 20:41

A citywide teacher strike has shuttered all schools within the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) this Tuesday. The unexpected closures impact thousands of families as educators take to the picket lines amid stalled contract negotiations.

The central issues driving the work stoppage are demands for increased pay and improved health care benefits. Union representatives argue that the current compensation fails to address the city's exorbitant cost of living, making it difficult to retain and recruit qualified staff. They also seek stronger commitments on student support services and classroom resources.

District officials confirmed the closures, stating that without sufficient staffing, they cannot ensure student safety or provide adequate supervision. They emphasized that negotiations with the United Educators of San Francisco union are ongoing, with both sides expressing a desire to reach a fair settlement swiftly.

Parents and guardians were notified of the closures with little advance warning, leading to scrambling for childcare alternatives. The strike underscores the growing tensions in many urban school districts where educators are advocating for salaries that keep pace with inflation and local economic pressures. There is currently no timeline for when an agreement might be reached or when classes will resume.