Over 1,000 CSU Workers Strike After Months Without Contract

Skilled trade workers at The California State University held a one-day strike Tuesday at 22 of the college system’s campuses, citing unfair labor practices.

The 1,100 employees have been working without a contract since it expired in June. They are represented by Teamsters Local 2010 and include plumbers, electricians, carpenters, technicians, mechanics, metal workers and more.

The union and university have been negotiating for over nine months, with Local 2010 alleging a pattern of illegal conduct on the part of CSU. Among the university's offenses are stalling negotiations, interfering with workers’ right to union activities and threatening strike retaliation, according to Local 2010, which noted the two parties failed to reach an agreement during an Oct. 31 mediation.

Proposals have included raises that discount inflation and leave employees far behind workers at other universities, according to the union, which said skilled CSU trade workers make 23 percent less than similar University of California employees in the same counties. CSU also wants to get rid of emergency pay and in-range progressions, according to Local 2010.

“CSU workers are fed up with the University’s unfair labor practices and refusal to show real appreciation for our hard work and sacrifice that has made the University successful,” Secretary-Treasurer Jason Rabinowitz said in a news release. “CSU can afford to be fair with workers, and Teamsters are standing together and ready to take effective strike action to make CSU bargain in good faith for the fair contract we deserve!”

The Teamsters’ demands include better wages and the restoration of step increases, which were removed by university trustees in 1996.

CSU in a prepared statement said the parties had reached an impasse and noted allegations of unfair labor practices had not been adjudicated and were disputed by the university.

“Teamsters are important members of the CSU and contribute to our educational mission,” the statement said. “The CSU remains committed to the collective bargaining process and reaching a negotiated agreement for increased compensation with the Teamsters, as we have done with five of our other employee unions in recent weeks."

Members of several other CSU unions were notified of the right to honor the Teamsters picket line in solidarity. The strike was expected to interrupt delivery and waste pickup services and shut down on-campus construction. CSU campuses remained open Tuesday, with contingency plans in place to maintain operations with minimal disruptions, according to the university.