Union members, CSU hopeful deal can be reached
By Karl Hays, Marianne Ruiz
For months, the California Faculty Association and California State University have gone back and forth over a new contract. Negotiations stalled in August just before the start of the school year, and now, it seems the CFA may be one step closer to walking off the job.
On Oct. 30, the CFA moved to authorize a strike, with 95 percent of the group’s 29,000 members voting in favor of the resolution. Although faculty across CSU are currently working, the vote would allow the CFA to call a strike if a deal with the university cannot be made.
Cost of living top of mind for CFA
The CFA presented its proposal to CSU this past May. The group emphasized the need for better wages to keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living in California. Demands included a 12-percent pay increase for all faculty and an overall salary bump for those on the lower end of the scale. In addition, the CFA proposed to cap class sizes, extend parental leave, and for CSU to provide safe and accessible gender-neutral restrooms. The CFA also demanded a counselor-to-student ratio of 1:1,500.
The CFA and CSU reached an impasse after the fourth round of negotiations in August but failed to come to terms on the proposed salary increases.
In a statement to the CSU campus community released after the vote, Human Resources Vice Chancellor Leora D. Freedman expressed hope in a deal with the CFA, noting the university had already reached tentative agreements with five other employee unions. Freedman reiterated that, in the event of a strike, CSU’s “top priority” would be to “ensure minimal disruptions to student learning and campus services.”
“In prior years’ negotiations, these votes ultimately did not lead to a strike and the parties were able to reach agreement,” Freedman said. “We hope the same thing will happen this year.”
Freedman’s sentiments were echoed by some faculty. “We do not want to strike,” said Alfredo Carlos, a labor studies professor and CFA member. “We care about the students and their grades, but we’re ready.”
If a faculty strike were to occur, CFA members would stop working and pause grading as part of a concerted effort and to avoid crossing picket lines. On-campus services that may also be canceled or postponed, including in-person and scheduled virtual classes, instructor office hours, and other student support operations.
Toros expressed mixed feelings about the outcome of the vote. Some students said they had concerns over how a possible strike might impact their studies. “I feel like it’s all about the money,” said one student who wished to remain anonymous. “I don’t think [CSU] were ever thinking about students.”
Others said they supported the CFA’s proposal. “I really don’t think they are asking for much other than what is fair,” said sophomore liberal arts student Mason Hernandez. “A lot of what they’re asking will not only benefit them but benefit the students as well.”
Jack Welch, a student and member of the Labor & Justice Club, said he hopes more students will voice support for the faculty because the ultimate outcome of the negotiations would have a direct impact on their education.
“Student learning conditions are faculty working conditions,” Welch said. “Whatever benefits come to our faculty it’s going to translate to higher quality education for us.”
