Oakland Teachers on Strike — is SF next?

The Oakland Education Association is currently on strike in protest of extremely poor pay and school conditions during a time of extreme teacher shortages. Teachers across California have faced unprecedented struggles in the past few years, bearing the intense burden of COVID-19 on education, all while dealing with a rising cost of living and staff shortages. Teacher’s unions across the state have been on strike for various amounts of time while bargaining with districts. San Francisco teachers, however, haven’t gone on strike since 1979. They began negotiations for a new contract this spring, but feel that no sense of urgency has underlined their demands. If nothing improves, it’s possible that a strike looms in their future.

Organized labor is powerful. When we support our workers and stand in solidarity, true progress and justice is possible! Some believe that out-of-school time resulting from strikes is damaging youth learning — in reality, there is nothing more harmful than the poor school conditions and teacher burnout constantly worsening in our state. Teachers aren’t just striking for themselves; they’re striking for the benefit of their students, so they can access equitable learning opportunities and updated facilities. Stand in solidarity!

Photo Justin Sullivan for Getty Images

Oakland Teachers Are Officially Striking Again. Could San Francisco Be Next?

By Ida Mojadad, The San Francisco Standard | 5/2/2023