A teacher strike in San Francisco is underway, and in a historic show of unity, the United Administrators of San Francisco (UASF), AFSA Local 3, is striking in solidarity with teachers.
The United Educators of San Francisco (UESF) officially walked off the job after contract negotiations with the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) broke down. As educators took to the picket lines, school administrators made the extraordinary decision to stand with them.
In a statement, UASF announced that it is striking in solidarity with educators. UASF represents 253 principals, assistant principals, program administrators, and supervisors across SFUSD. Members voted by a strong margin to authorize this sympathy strike, which the union believes is the first strike by an administrative union in California history.
“We recognize that school closures—even temporary ones—are disruptive and stressful for families,” UASF said. “However, as long as educators remain on the picket line, there is no safe way to operate schools as usual.”
Administrators emphasized a reality familiar to school leaders everywhere: schools function because of the collective work of the entire education workforce.
Teachers, counselors, social workers, nurses, paraprofessionals, security staff, clerks, and custodians are all essential to student safety and learning. SEIU Local 1021, which represents clerks and custodians, is also on strike, leaving schools without the staffing required to safely supervise students.
“A single administrator alone in a school building does not constitute a functioning or safe school environment,” UASF said. “Under these conditions, keeping schools open puts students at risk.”
Rather than creating unsafe conditions, administrators support temporary school closures, paired with city-supported childcare and meal programs, while negotiations continue.
UESF’s strike follows months of stalled talks over wages, healthcare, and staffing levels, including critical supports for special education. Educators say compensation has not kept pace with San Francisco’s cost of living and that rising healthcare costs are driving educators out of the profession.
The San Francisco Standard reports that despite fact-finding and mediation efforts, the district and unions remain far apart.
SFUSD has confirmed that schools are closed during the strike due to insufficient staffing to operate safely.
For AFSA members across the country, the San Francisco strike sends a powerful message: administrators and educators are not adversaries when it comes to safe schools, fair working conditions, and student success.
The decision by administrators to strike alongside teachers underscores what AFSA has long affirmed — strong schools depend on solidarity, not silos.
UASF members have made clear they are ready to return as soon as a fair agreement is reached.
“We stand ready to return immediately and lead our school communities as soon as the strike concludes,” the union said. “Until then, we will stand in solidarity on the picket line.”
