CALIFORNIA, USA — A systemwide strike at California State University came to an end hours after faculty members took to the picket lines.
On Monday night, the California Faculty Association (CFA) said they reached a tentative deal that ended the strike. It followed months of negotiations that led into what was initially a weeklong strike.
Now, faculty are expected to return to the workplace on Jan. 23.
“The collective action of so many lecturers, professors, counselors, librarians, and coaches over these last eight months forced CSU management to take our demands seriously. This Tentative Agreement makes major gains for all faculty at the CSU,” CFA President Charles Toombs said.
The CFA called for a pay raise, more parental leave and smaller classroom sizes, among other items.
As part of the tentative deal, there will be a 5% general salary increase for all faculty, retroactive to July 1, 2023, and 5% salary increase for all faculty on July 1 in 2024, contingent on base funding to the CSU. The pay boosts also include a raised salary floor for the lowest paid faculty members.
Other benefits included a paid parental leave increase, improved access to gender-inclusive restrooms and lactation spaces, and more.
“This historic agreement was won because of members’ solidarity, collective action, bravery, and love for each other and our students,” said Antonio Gallo, Associate Vice President of Lecturers, South. “This is what People Power looks like. This deal immensely improves working conditions for faculty and strengthens learning conditions for students.”
The California Faculty Association represents roughly 29,000 workers.
“I am extremely pleased and deeply appreciative that we have reached common ground with CFA that will end the strike immediately," said CSU Chancellor Mildred García. “The agreement enables the CSU to fairly compensate its valued, world-class faculty while protecting the university system's long-term financial sustainability. With the agreement in place, I look forward to advancing our student-centered work — together — as the nation's greatest driver of social mobility and the pipeline fueling California's diverse and educated workforce."
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