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Los Angeles and San Francisco Teachers Authorize Strikes, Setting Up Pivotal Week in Talks

A fact-finder’s recommendation due Wednesday in San Francisco could trigger a 48-hour strike notice if rejected.

Overview

  • San Francisco’s teachers union said 97.6% of members approved strike authorization, with a neutral panel’s report expected Wednesday and a possible walkout as soon as Monday, Feb. 9 after required notice.
  • United Teachers Los Angeles reported a 94% strike-authorization vote and has advanced to fact-finding after mediation failed to produce a deal.
  • UTLA is seeking significant pay changes including an estimated first-year average increase of about 16% for newer educators and additional schedule reforms, while LAUSD has offered 2.5% then 2% with a 1% one-time payment.
  • San Francisco’s district has proposed a 6% raise over three years with fully paid family health benefits, arguing it faces a structural deficit, as union leaders counter that reserves and recent rainy-day allocations should be directed to classrooms.
  • No strike dates have been set; SFUSD plans a special board meeting this week to prepare for potential disruptions, and other labor actions are in motion, including an upcoming strike-authorization vote by LA’s SEIU Local 99.