San Francisco teachers have approved calling a strike vote as contract negotiations continue, union leaders said this week.

More than 3,000 educators gathered at Balboa High School for the vote, with 97 percent voting in favor, according to United Educators of San Francisco.

The next step would be another membership vote allowing leadership to call a strike before a walkout date can be set.

In a statement released Thursday afternoon, the union said its team would go to the bargaining table on Oct. 16.

“Now is the time for SFUSD management to take our proposals seriously,” said UESF President Cassondra Curiel. “They can avoid this crisis of their own making by coming to the bargaining table on Monday ready to negotiate a fair contract now!”

The teachers contract expired on June 30.