After just one day on the picket lines California State University faculty members are canceling their historic strike.
In a statement Monday night, the California Faculty Association announced that its members and California State University management had reached a tentative agreement, which calls for general salary increases and boosts parental leave by four weeks.
The deal ends the first system-wide faculty strike at one of the largest, four-year public universities in the nation. Faculty members are expected to return to their work assignments Tuesday.
“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.”
Highlights of the tentative agreement include a 5% general salary increase for all faculty members retroactive to July 1, 2023; a 5% general salary increase for all members on July 1, 2024; a salary step increase of 2.65% for 2024-25; higher base pay for the lowest paid members; and a jump in parental leave from six to 10 weeks.
In addition, the deal would extend the current contract for 2022-24 by one year to June 30, 2025.
The agreement also provides more protection for faculty members who have dealings with law enforcement by providing for a union representative in those interactions and improves access to gender-inclusive restrooms and lactation spaces.
In a statement posted to the CSU website, CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia said she was “extremely pleased and deeply appreciative” that a deal had been reached.
“The agreement enables the CSU to fairly compensate its valued, world-class faculty while protecting the university system’s long-term financial sustainability,” Garcia said.
“With the agreement in place,” the chancellor continued, “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.”
Faculty members hit the picket lines Monday morning on the first day of a planned five-day strike. In downtown San Jose, 60 to 70 members gathered around the perimeter of San Jose State University, where they rang bells, blew whistles and beat drums. A similar scene unfolded across the Bay at Cal State University, East Bay.
“We’re really intent on getting a salary increase that keeps us in pace with inflation,” Jennifer Eagan, faculty rights chair for Cal State, East Bay, said in an interview before the deal was announced. “It feels like our work load is going up and our pay given inflation is going down. All of us here, we want to serve our students.”
For months, the association, which represents 29,000 faculty members throughout the state, had been in talks with the university, seeking a 12% raise, higher base pay for the lowest-earning staff and expanded parental leave, among other demands.
California State University is one of the largest public universities in the nation and includes 23 schools.
Staff writers Grace Hase and Will McCarthy contributed tot this report. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.