Last Thursday, teachers representing the United Educators of San Francisco met to hear from the SEIU as they consider plans to strike in solidarity with the custodians, cafeteria workers and secretaries. The teacher's union already voted to urge all members to honor the SEIU's picket, and the Teamsters and United Transportation unions, representing truck and bus drivers, have also pledged to honor the picket. The school district administrators -- principles and vice principles -- have pledged support for the SEIU, but have not agreed to cease working.

The major disputes in contract negotiations are over wage increases and health care coverage. Currently, the families of service employees are not extended full benefits under the district's health plan, and employees covered under the current collective bargaining agreement have not received a raise in three years. According to Superintendent Arlene Ackerman [PDF], the union's proposed contract would cost the district $16 million more than the contract on offer from the district. The union counters that their contract only represents $2.5 million in additional costs [PDF], and that the additional health care coverage would cost less than the severance package Ackerman intends to collect after quitting at the end of the school year.

Special Assistant to the Superintendent Lorna Ho passed along a copy of the press release issued by the district today. In it, they outline the priorities in responding to the strike: They will try to keep the schools open assuming they can ensure the safety of students; any days lost to school closures will be made up during existing holidays or after the scheduled end of the school year; and Thursday and Friday of this week will be scheduled as instructional training days, with teachers and other staff expected to report but students allowed to stay home. They also urge SEIU leadership to allow its members a chance to vote on the contract currently on offer from the district.

The school board will convene this evening at 555 Franklin at 7pm, and the meeting will be open to the public. The district has produced an FAQ [PDF] to answer questions in the event of a strike.

Update: The San Francisco Sentinel reports that last minute negotiations were successful thanks to intervention by the mayor.