Why is there a need for a five percent salary increase from the California State University administration?

Portrait Series by Emma Chiang

The California Faculty Association is in its first year of salary negotiations for their three-year contract with California State University management. In November 2014, CSU administrators and faculty approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement that confirmed salary increases for the 2014-15 year but left salary negotiations open for 2015-2016 and 2016-2017.

CSU faculty and administrators started bargaining over salary for the 2015-2016 year in June 2015. Over the seven-month process, both sides have gone through multiple stages, including initial bargaining, impasse, mediation and factfinding.

The CFA bargaining team demanded a 5 percent general salary increase and CSU management countered by offering a 2 percent increase. CSU faculty are calling this push for a 5 percent salary increase the “Fight for Five.” Both sides are unwavering in their positions and remain at an impasse, struggling to negotiate a salary raise that will benefit both parties.

During their “Fight for Five,” CFA has held meetings, demonstrations and rallies to show their dissatisfaction with CSU management and gain the support of faculty and students throughout the CSU system.

Because negotiations remain stagnant, faculty recently approved the right to perform job actions, including work slowdowns or a full strike if necessary.

Timeline by Moby Howeidy