Oakland teachers' union votes to authorize potential strike, citing low wages and high turnover [View all]

Source: ABC 7 News

Saturday, February 21, 2026 1:31AM

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- On Friday, members of the Oakland teachers' union voted to authorize a potential strike.

The union said members are advocating for a fair contract that "ensures the safe, stable, racially-just schools Oakland students deserve."

"Right now, OUSD educators are the lowest paid in the region, and as a result, the District loses nearly 400 hardworking, dedicated educators per year, costing the district $7.5 million annually," said Kampala Taiz-Rancifer, president of the Oakland Education Association. "This is a waste of resources, destabilizes classrooms, and especially hurts our most vulnerable students. Oakland educators have been in this fight for the schools our students deserve for a long time-and we remain committed to stabilizing our schools."

The union said the strike vote comes after nearly 12 months of bargaining with OUSD holding at a 0% wage increase.

Read more: https://abc7news.com/post/oakland-education-association-votes-authorize-potential-strike-citing-low-wages-large-classrooms-high-turnover/18627535/