Labor and Strikes
Labor disputes and unions.
12 stories · 3 meeting summaries · Aug 29, 2026 – Oct 21, 2026
Stories
Wednesday, October 21, 20261 story →
City cuts deal to protect raises, prevent layoffs for largest S.F. labor unions
San Francisco reached a deal with its largest labor unions to implement a 12 percent raise over four years and to avoid layoffs through June 2029.
Saturday, October 17, 20261 story →
S.F. court interpreters walk out today over ‘unfair labor practices’
Court interpreters walked off the job Friday in San Francisco, saying their wages are far below those of federal interpreters and that courts rely too much on remote interpretation. Their union represents state court interpreters in 12 California counties.
Wednesday, September 23, 20261 story →
S.F. contractors must start paying street cleaners higher wages
Contracted street cleaners in San Francisco must now be paid the same prevailing wage as the city's unionized workforce under the Clean Streets and Fair Pay Act. The requirement falls on companies that hold city contracts.
Sunday, September 20, 20262 stories →
San Francisco security guards strike after contract talks stall
Security guards walked off the job Friday morning at downtown San Francisco properties including 555 and 101 California Street, the Salesforce Tower, and the Transbay Transit Center, the Chronicle reports. SEIU-USWW, which represents 3,700 guards in the city, authorized the strike on Sept. 15. Guards are seeking a raise to $30 an hour, family health coverage, and better training and safety.
San Francisco Opera and musicians reach labor agreement, ending strike
San Francisco Opera and the union representing its orchestra reached a tentative four-year contract on Sept. 17 that ends a strike begun Sept. 12 and canceled opening night and several performances. The deal runs from Aug. 1, 2026 through July 31, 2030 and still needs ratification by both sides. The 104th season opens Sept. 22 with Verdi's Simon Boccanegra, and Mary, Queen of Scots moves to Sept. 24; the free Opera in the Park concert will not be rescheduled.
Saturday, September 19, 20261 story →
Bay Area Security Workers Guarding Big Tech Offices Strike
Thousands of security guards walked off the job across California on Friday, and guards rallied outside Salesforce headquarters in San Francisco, KQED reports. The union SEIU-United Service Workers West, which represents 14,000 guards, is seeking a path to a $30 hourly minimum wage and better benefits from 15 private security contractors, including Allied Universal and Securitas.
Friday, September 11, 20261 story →
San Francisco mayor reaches tentative deal with city unions on 12% raises
Mayor Daniel Lurie reached a tentative agreement with large city unions that would give about 25,000 city workers 12 percent raises over four years and shield full-time union members from layoffs through June 2029. The deal still needs a vote by union members and would cover more than 80 percent of city employees, according to the mayor's office.
Thursday, September 10, 20261 story →
San Francisco mayor reaches tentative deal with unions: 25,000 city workers to get 12% raises over four years
Mayor Daniel Lurie's office has reached tentative contract agreements with several large city unions that would raise pay for about 25,000 San Francisco employees by 12% over four years. Full-time union workers would also be protected from layoffs through June 2029 under the deals, which would cover more than 80% of the city workforce once members vote to ratify them.
Wednesday, September 9, 20261 story →
Lurie strikes early deal with city unions to avoid layoffs through 2029
Mayor Daniel Lurie reached an early contract deal with city unions that will avoid layoffs through 2029. The arrangement gives employees a 12% wage increase through 2031, The Standard reports.
Sunday, September 6, 20261 story →
KQED Agrees to Pay Nearly $900,00 to Settle Wage-Theft Lawsuit
KQED has agreed to pay $895,000 to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing the public broadcaster of wage theft against hourly employees from 2019 to 2025. The proposed settlement covers more than 580 current and former workers and needs final court approval in November. KQED denied the allegations.
Thursday, September 3, 20261 story →
Workers Guarding San Francisco’s Wealthiest Companies Vote to Authorize a Strike
Security officers who guard offices across San Francisco voted Wednesday to authorize a strike amid contract talks with contractors such as Allied Universal and Securitas. Union SEIU-USWW is seeking a $30 minimum wage and better benefits.
Saturday, August 29, 20261 story →
Day Around the Bay: SF Opera Orchestra Demands 'Fair' Contract, Threatens Strike
San Francisco Opera orchestra musicians are threatening to strike, calling for a fair contract two weeks before opening night of the 104th season. Their previous contract expired July 31. The roundup also covers an Oakland police fraud investigation and a reported Yosemite land swap.