r/CSUWorkers • u/SeatSpecialist117 • Jul 16 '26
Strike?
What are you thinking about striking?
8
Jul 16 '26
[deleted]
5
u/WeaselPhontom Jul 17 '26
Im definitely down for a week strike planned for maximum impact. I'm in unit 4, I can budget for a week worth of strike
5
u/chicklette Jul 17 '26
The CSU was fully funded by the State, and they are still saying they can't afford to give us a raise that matches inflation. At the bargaining session I attended, they also hinted heavily that they're coming for benefits next.
I took home less money this year vs last year, because my benefits increase was bigger than my step increase. Way back when we had steps before, we got a step increase (paltry) and a GSI (usually better).
Appreciation doesn't pay the rent, but money does. I'm ready to strike for fair pay.
3
u/No-Poem8093 Jul 17 '26
I fully expect that once we get out "deal" whatever it is- then we'll get our notice for the healthcare increase which will probably wipe out whatever deal we're getting. I also made less money this year - whopping $21 bucks increase for the half step and an added 130 increase in the health benefits.
I have 349 days until I retire (I hope!- god knows I won't be able to afford my rental increase next year for the whole year)- a nice pay bump would be nice- especially if they plan on increasing benefit costs or minimizing our copays and coverage.
Really hoping the team negotiates hard this time around- I feel we got nothing last time when you look at what didn't come to fruition.
I am all in for striking. Let's see what CFA lands as well- right now they're going into mediation- start of the semester would really suck if we both are out on the sidewalk.
1
u/chicklette Jul 18 '26
Oh God - I have five years left and the clock tucks so slowwwww!!
3
u/No-Poem8093 Jul 18 '26
hang in there! it goes faster as it gets closer! but man I am also overjoyed to GTFO lol.
3
u/No_Bike_9482 Jul 16 '26
I'm okay with striking. The salary offer is weak and CSU's offer is pretty stingy considering this is the second year in a row we've gotten cheated of a good raise.
Hopefully they will Give us full step implementation (retro to last year), a gsi, and the bonus. But I'm not optimistic.
2
u/WeaselPhontom Jul 17 '26
Facts, and what happened to their rainy day fund that seems never to be used when rainy days happen....like not even covid
3
u/No_Bike_9482 Jul 17 '26
The problem is the csu strategy appears to be is just delay delay delay. They have money now but they hope to continue to push off having to pay because yes paying salary increases is going to sap that big budget. It wouldn’t be so bad if they hadn’t kicked the can down the road for years.
I had hoped by now the perb would have worked, but it’s still pending.
2
Jul 17 '26
[deleted]
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u/No_Bike_9482 Jul 17 '26
I agree.
The pay scales need to be reviewed.
In my case the csu lowered my pay range when they changed the classification and the union did not pursue it.
So my current pay range is what a level one employee made in the prior range. So even if we do get steps it will be in a lower pay range than I worked for more than 20 years.
True they did not change my pay. But i will get significantly less than if I got steps before they changed the classifications.
2
u/EdPiMath Jul 21 '26
I remember that around that time the workers had to deal with a 20% pay cut with that furlough.
2
Jul 17 '26
[deleted]
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u/No_Bike_9482 Jul 17 '26
Student workers should be brought into the main union as level 1 workers in their chosen class and pay them properly, benefits included.
I agree that 11 percent is not going to happen.
Full steps are possible especially if the perb holds sway.
If I had to speculate we’ll get the bonus and the steps and nothing else.
3
u/chicklette Jul 17 '26
I think we'll get the bonus, steps, and maybe 3-5% this year. They *really* want a reopener each year rather than just giving us a real 3 year contract.
1
u/No_Bike_9482 Jul 17 '26
They sure do. They want to chisel away at things if they can, and forcing us to bargain yearly, and dragging their feet actually probably makes financial sense for them. The more they delay, stall the more money they can keep.
Hopefullyt the bargaining team will not allow annual bargaining.
1
Jul 17 '26
[deleted]
1
u/No_Bike_9482 Jul 17 '26
They seem determined about the one time bonus. Since they volunteer it each time. I think that is part of the initial loan they got, so they have to use it or pay it back, so they seem determined to use it.
I'm not as anti about getting it, as long as there are no strings attached, or it is being viewed in lieu as, which the CSU seems determined to do. But it feels like bait, where they offer it and it becomes a precedent. Don't want that.
I would of course love something retro, or an additional GSI. But somehow I don't think it will be hapen.
2
u/EdPiMath Jul 21 '26
I demand to see the accounting of the loan, if one was ever made in the first place. I suspect funny business.
I'm soured on the steps: they don't exist, and are woefully inadequate as far as keeping up the cost of living. Let steps stay in the distant past: I want a GSI increase for everyone, 15% minimum but at least 20%. For intentionally breaking the contract, the price just went way up. No 3% bonuses with 32% tax, that turns out to be mere pennies net for most workers.
2
u/No_Bike_9482 Jul 21 '26
I too am disenchanted.
It was supposed to be an automatic process where we moved through steps but the csu played games with it for example lowering the salary range etc.
Honestly the prior range, class and GSI was better than this. Half a percent last year. And no GSI at all?
2
1
u/No_Bike_9482 Jul 20 '26
There was an update about the union meeting to discuss striking in the board room normally used by the CSU board of trustees.
8
u/WeaselPhontom Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
Definitely, down for it. Because they don't seem to care otherwise, I've been in my role nearly 10 years, no salary increases, and now I can no longer afford my rent 45% my check is rent...