Unionized faculty at California State University, the nation's largest university system, started a strike Monday, first day of term.
According to Thursday press release According to the California Teachers Association, the union representing 29,000 CSU workers, the “university strike” stems from failed contract negotiations that have been ongoing since May. The union, which had planned a five-day strike, claims CSU management responded to its demands with “disrespect and ridicule.”
Unionized faculty and staff are calling for a 12% pay increase ahead of inflation, a “manageable workload,” the addition of student counselors to provide mental health services, expanded “semester-long paid parental leave,” and increased support for breastfeeding and formula. Requested storage space, etc. Safe unisex toilets and changing rooms. ” They also called for “pay equity,” including “increasing the minimum wage for the lowest-paid teachers.”
Chris Cox, CFA's Northern vice president for racial and social justice and a San Jose State lecturer, said Thursday that CSU management is only responding to the union's salary demands.
“They completely ignore issues of workload, health and safety concerns, and parental leave. They don't even consider our suggestions, such as restroom space, and clear boundaries, “our rights when dealing with campus authorities,'' Cox said.
Maria Gisela Sanchez Cobo, CFA Pomona member and Cal Poly Pomona advisor, added that she is “completely hurt and disappointed” that CSU has increased tuition for students.
“The discrepancies in the narrative presented by the management are very disturbing. They don't have the money, but they have enough money to give the president a raise and increase the number of administrators,” Sánchez Cobo said.
Late Monday evening, CFA announced The company announced that it has reached a tentative agreement with CSU management.
“In case anyone forgot, strikes work! After months of negotiations, our movement for #betterCSU has borne fruit! Our members are the most We won a tentative agreement with @calstate that includes raises for vulnerable teachers, safer workplaces, and more guardianship. Leave,” the union wrote. X.
As a result of the tentative agreement, the union called off a five-day strike and instructed teachers to return to work on Tuesday.
“The collective actions of so many lecturers, professors, counselors, librarians and coaches over the past eight months have forced CSU management to take our demands seriously,” CFA President Charles Toombs said Monday night. “This interim agreement is of great benefit to faculty across all departments.” C.S.U. ”
CSU management will reportedly receive a 5% increase in general salary, a 2.65% salary step up from 2024 to 2025, and paid parental leave from 6 to 10 weeks as part of the interim arrangement. It is reported that they have agreed to expand the number of public toilets and “expand the use of unisex toilets.'' And a nursing space too. ” CSU management also agreed to the “increase.”[e] Protect teachers who interact with police by having union representatives in their interactions with police. ”
“At the bargaining table, CSU management did not take our proposals seriously until CFA members withheld our labor. We have provided much-needed capital diversion solutions for our staff, including increasing CFA base pay to increase engagement with faculty, students struggling with minimum wage. “Manageable workloads for students, more mental health services for students, limits on police powers, and humane and sufficient parental leave,” the union said.
on monday statementThe CSU confirmed it had reached an agreement with the union.
“Students are encouraged to look for messages from their instructors regarding adjustments to their classes,” the university said. “Further details regarding the agreement will be provided in the coming days.”
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