Charles Toombs : CSU Faculty Approve New Contract After Strike

California Faculty Association Members Approve New Contract Agreement with California State University

In a significant development, the California Faculty Association (CFA) has officially ratified a new contract agreement with the California State University (CSU), as announced by union officials on Monday. This agreement comes after months of negotiations and discussions between the two parties.

Representing more than 29,000 tenure-line instructional faculty, lecturers, librarians, counselors, and coaches across the 23-campus system, the CFA disclosed that a resounding 76% of its voting members voted in favor of the new contract agreement.

Expressing gratitude towards the members for their solidarity and perseverance, CFA President Charles Toombs stated, “We thank members for their solidarity, debate, and courage to press CSU management for better faculty working and student learning conditions, especially everyone who worked tirelessly organizing the successful strikes and joining the picket lines.”

The next step for the agreement is approval by the CSU trustees. While the upcoming meeting is scheduled for March 24-27, the CFA has urged officials to convene a special Board of Trustees meeting sooner to expedite the approval process.

Key Highlights of the Agreement

The newly approved contract agreement encompasses several key provisions aimed at enhancing faculty welfare and addressing critical issues identified by the CFA. One of the notable highlights includes a 10% general salary increase for all faculty members by July, with additional raises in salary minimums for the lowest-paid faculty, resulting in significant pay enhancements.

Furthermore, the agreement introduces improvements in paid family leave, extending it from 6 to 10 weeks, along with measures to facilitate the accessibility of gender-inclusive restrooms and lactation spaces on campus.

In a statement issued by the CSU, officials expressed their satisfaction with the outcomes of the ratification vote, acknowledging the collaborative efforts between the university and the CFA in reaching this agreement.

Future Prospects and Collaborations

Looking ahead, both parties are optimistic about the prospects of working together to advance their shared goals and commitments towards serving the students and the university. The agreement reflects a mutual commitment to fostering a conducive environment for academic excellence and professional growth within the CSU system.

With the contract extension in effect until June 30, 2025, the agreement sets a positive trajectory for continued collaboration and partnership between the CFA and the CSU.

Recent Developments and Agreements

In addition to the faculty contract agreement, the CSU recently concluded a new three-year contract with 1,100 skilled trades workers, which was subsequently approved by an overwhelming majority of voting members of Teamsters Local 2010.