Five days before 26,000 faculty members were scheduled to walk off the job, their union and the California State University system came to a contract agreement April 8, averting the strike.
Prior to the settlement, CFA President Jen Eagan said faculty salaries had remained effectively the same since the last strike in 2004, despite rising tuitions at all CSU schools and increasing salaries for university presidents.
In February, Chancellor Timothy White said that the requested 5 percent salary increase would cost $70 million more than what was set aside in the budget. White counter-offered with a 2 percent salary increase but the CFA didn't negotiate.
In February, Chancellor Timothy White said that the requested 5 percent salary increase would cost $70 million more than what was set aside in the budget. White counter-offered with a 2 percent salary increase but the CFA didn't negotiate.
Chart courtesy of Lindsay Briggs, a professor in the health and community service department.
Last Thursday, the union announced that CSU was willing to have another conversation about negotiating an agreement and a 48-hour media black-out commenced.
Friday morning, the two sides announced a tentative agreement for a percent salary increase over the next three years.
Even though some of the faculty didn’t plan to join the strike, all full-time faculty will benefit from the salary increase.
Although some students were indifferent, others were glad that graduation and classes weren’t affected.
“It really seemed like there was very little information out there about what students were supposed to do during those five days,” said Jacob Nutrelle, a first-year geology student.
Teachers who supported the strike to get their raises felt that the situation was relevant to the students.
“I think this is such an important real-world thing that students should be a part of. Faculty fighting for what they deserve—and winning—is such a great example for students when it comes to learning,” said Susan Roll, a professor in the school of social work.
-Whitney Urmann