California State University Faculty Strike Ends After Reaching Tentative Contract Agreement

public schools

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Jan 23, 05:48 pm

Photo: (Photo : FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

California State University faculty members have reached an initial contract understanding on the same day that approximately 30,000 professors, librarians, coaches, and other staff went on strike across the nation's largest public university system, as announced by their union.

California State University Faculty Ends Planned Week-Long Strike

The California Faculty Association disclosed that its members will return on Tuesday to work, ending their initially planned week-long walkout aimed at securing higher wages. The deal primarily, still pending union member ratification, is being described as a result of the unity displayed by faculty, staff, and students across all 23 campuses, according to the association's statement.

The union, which has 29,000 representatives of faculty members at Cal State, and also includes professors, lecturers, librarians, counselors, and coaches across 23 campuses, was demanding a 12 percent increase in their salary.

CFA President Charles Toombs acknowledged the collective efforts of lecturers, professors, counselors, librarians, and coaches over the past eight months, asserting that the tentative agreement signifies significant progress for all faculty members.

CSU Chancellor Mildred García moved forward to advancing a student-centered work collaboratively, giving emphasis on the role of the university as a key driver of social mobility and contributor to California's diverse and educated workforce.

The strike, initiated by the California State University workforce on Monday, followed extensive contract negotiations focusing on pay increases and workplace improvements for employees within the nation's largest public university system, serving approximately 460,000 students across 23 campuses.

CSU Faculty Members, University Management Arrive at an Agreement

CSU Chancellor Mildred García expressed satisfaction with the agreement, sources say, emphasizing that it allows the university to fairly compensate faculty while safeguarding long-term financial sustainability.

The strike ensued after CSU officials unilaterally offered a 5% pay raise, falling far short of the union's 12% demand. The tentative agreement proposes a retroactive 5% raise from last year and an additional 5% raise on July 1, along with an increase in the minimum wage for the lowest-paid faculty.

The strike occurred at the beginning of the new CSU semester, raising concerns about class cancellations for the system's 450,000 students. The California Faculty Association, representing around 29,000 workers, garnered support from some students who joined picket lines. One student emphasized the importance of treating professors fairly and opposing impending tuition hikes.

Previously, the union also pushed drastic actions, which included one-day walkouts in December across four campuses in responses to the standoff, this is to advocate for higher pay, manageable workloads, and increased parental leave.

While the university argues against using reserve funds for wage hikes, the union contends that the university can afford salary increases from its reserve accounts.

The strike took place amid broader labor activity in the country, with the participation of various professions advocating for better pay and working conditions. California State University boasts the largest public university system in the U.S., with 23 campuses.