Last month, our union siblings at Teamsters Local 2010 voted 94% YES to authorize a strike. In three weeks, they will be going on an Unfair Labor Practice strike from February 17 – 20, 2026.
CFA members cannot legally go on strike with Teamsters, but we can show up in solidarity with them. When we do so, we strengthen collective power across our unions and send a clear message that an injury to one is an injury to all. Together, we can hone our skills and tactics around job actions and continue to build union solidarity in the process.
We strongly encourage our members to honor their picket line and join them if you are able, even for a short time. To know that our instructional faculty, librarians, counselors, and coaches are there to support them in their effort to keep our workplaces safe and well-maintained can do a lot to help boost their morale.
We will continue to update you as we draw nearer to their strike. In the meantime, remember to sign the pledge card here and show your support. We also encourage you to get in touch with your CFA chapter president or field representative if you have questions or would like to find ways to support Teamsters members.
This page is being updated as finalized as information is received from the strike captains. If locations and times are missing, please check back in the coming days for updated information.
Solidarity Pledge
Frequently Asked Questions
After paying two years of the contractual raises, CSU management refused to pay Teamsters their raises in 2025, claiming they had the right to reopen the Teamsters contract because the state didn’t fully fund the CSU. This is simply untrue.
A sympathy strike is when members of one union strike in sympathy with members of another union who are on strike. Withholding our labor in solidarity is a powerful way to protest against unfair treatment by our employer and to fight for fair treatment and real respect.
We are not calling for a sympathy strike, but we are asking faculty to show up in support of Teamsters.
CSU management cannot force faculty to cross picket lines, nor can they prevent us from engaging in lawful solidarity actions.
You can join their picket line. You can also withhold your labor, and management has the right to dock your pay for any days you do not work to join the Teamsters.
Faculty have one personal day per year, but management may not mutually agree to a requested day off. But to be sure, the CSU cannot force you to cross the picket line.
There is nothing in our contract that prevents us from legally joining the picket line.
Management has the right to withhold our pay for the days we do not work. However, you should not be disciplined for your solidarity. If that happens, notify your chapter’s field representative immediately.
Teamsters’ members authorized a strike from Tuesday, February 17 through Friday, February 20. There will be picket lines on every campus except the Cal Poly Solano Campus in Vallejo.
By supporting Teamsters members, we significantly increase the social and economic pressure on CSU management and the impact that the strike will have.
By refusing to cross the picket line, we can disrupt a large portion of not just the CSU’s economy, but California’s economy as well. The larger and more disruptive their strike, the harder it will be for management, legislators, and community members to ignore.
Our goals are aligned. By helping our siblings fight for their promised raises and win a strong contract, we can guarantee a stronger contract for faculty. The more we are united, the more powerful we become and the more reluctant management will be to reject our proposals.
An injury to one is an injury to all. Teamsters have always had our backs during our job actions and have shown up in droves to ensure we get the respect we deserve as faculty. It’s time for us to demonstrate our solidarity and hold the line when they need us the most.
If you can, show up to the picket line and bring your colleagues. Management’s attacks demand the full participation of all of us to show them we are united with the Teamsters and will not back down.
Do NOT cross the picket line if you can avoid doing so.
We envision a CSU where faculty, staff, and students can thrive. That can only happen when faculty and staff are afforded living wages and productive and safe working environments. We must leverage the power of our unified voices to ensure our demands are met.
Faculty have a right to engage in concerted activities (like going on strike) for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection. Retaliation against strike activity is illegal under US federal law, whether during the strike or following the action. Be in touch with your CFA chapter’s field representative if management tries to discipline you for your actions.
Although we encourage all faculty to become CFA members, you do not need to be a member to join the picket line. Union members from different institutions can also legally support the Teamster’s strike as it is protected by the National Labor Relations Act as concerted activity for mutual aid. If you are not yet a CFA member, you can activate your membership here.
If you are asked by management whether you are participating in the strike, you can either say “Yes,” “I don’t wish to discuss it,” or “I haven’t decided.”
It is illegal for management to intimidate or threaten you. If you feel that you are being treated unjustly, report the behavior to your CFA chapter’s field representative immediately.
No, you cannot.
Yes, you can, but only with mutual agreement with management.
Yes. If you already have pre-approved vacation, then it is illegal for management to cancel your vacation.
Wear a red CFA t-shirt or any article of clothing with a CFA logo. Make sure to dress comfortably; bring jackets, hats, gloves, and other warm clothes.
Sign in, then find a picket captain (they will usually wear name tags or uniforms that designate them as picket captains) who may assign you to a specific location (e.g., campus entrance and exist, parking lot, loading areas, etc.).
We recommend sending any media inquiries or interviews to a picket captain or designated press person.
Notify your picket captain immediately.
Join California Faculty Association
Join thousands of instructional faculty, librarians, counselors, and coaches to protect academic freedom, faculty rights, safe workplaces, higher education, student learning, and fight for racial and social justice.
