CFA Chapters Organize Actions Coinciding with Launch of Strike Authorization Vote

CFA members across the state are holding “Cost of Living is a Nightmare“ rallies next week to build our power and kick off the start of the Strike Authorization Vote (SAV), which runs from October 26 to November 19.  
 
“We know that the cost of living is going up, but we also know that some faculty on our campus sleep in their cars, some can‘t afford groceries or gas, and we work at the flagship CSU,” said Claire Garrido-Ortega, CFA Long Beach co-president and lecturer in the Health Science Department. “This is why we are holding our rally next week on this theme—this situation is a nightmare—and this is why faculty will join us to authorize our strike. The CSU needs to pay us better with real salary increases and regular adjustments.”   

CFA Long Beach is holding one of the 22 rallies, marches or actions taking place this week and next week, as we escalate our bargaining campaign to Fund the Classroom, Not the Boardroom. These campus actions demand our contract proposals be met while drawing attention to CSU Chancellor Mildred García’s and the CSU Board of Trustees’ lack of respect for students, faculty, and staff.  

Garcia’s behavior — which includes shrinking the workforce, cutting academic programs, failing to consult with anyone but her management personnel on important educational policy decisions, and attempts at silencing those who oppose her administration — has routinely jeopardized the mission of the CSU.  

This action is one of many to come should García fail to reach a resolution with faculty in our fight for a university system that truly serves its diverse students and values. We know that faculty working conditions are student learning conditions. So, we organize for a fair contract with improvements to salary, workload, and appointment, as well as new protections around AI and Academic Freedom.  

Chapters are also coordinating actions with CSU union siblings, including CSUEU (California State University Employees Union), Teamsters, United Auto Workers (UAW), and Academic Professionals of California (APC). All CSU workers are united in our fight for fair contracts.  

To find details about your chapter’s plans and to register to participate, see this page.