Bargaining Updates

Hey Unit 3! 

Have you seen the recent proposals we made in bargaining? 

We offered well-reasoned proposals across 14 articles, while management made one. 

We worked to write articles that result in stronger pay increases that are tied to not just keeping up with inflation, but beating it; to better the work protections for the precarious lecturers; to clarify AI policy; for formally bargained structures around Academic Freedom, and so much more! Management offered what amounts to an ice cream party and a sweatshirt…we did that already, right?! 

Knowing what is going on in terms of proposals is the first step to earning a strong contract, so get informed now!

On November 20th and 21st, the Bargaining Team met with management. As you can see from what we presented at the CSU Bargaining Town Hall, and on our bargaining website, we made multiple proposals across 15 different areas of the CBA (12 current articles, and three new areas), while management literally offered a one-time payment – a singular payment that would not count toward retirement, would not protect against inflation, and essentially felt like a slap in the face. Management was not expecting our level of organization. This was a sign of the strength of our bargaining team and the preparations they have untaken to best prepare for negotiations. 
Our bargaining team is not only prepared for management and negotiations, but they have also made commitments to keeping us members informed and updated, as well. On November 24th, the Bargaining Team led a Town Hall where members heard about all the proposals and their rationales. It was an informative event, especially if you didn’t want to read through the proposals! These Town Halls will happen after each bargaining session. So, be on the look out for future Bargaining Town Halls and get as informed as possible!

We are stronger than they are, we are united, we are power! 

We continue to meet in good faith and are working hard to ensure we achieve as many of our proposals as possible. In light of management’s extreme low-ball offer, while filling their own bank accounts with a recent pay raise (Pres. Wood’s pay increased 6% – now $504,799 – Sac Bee, Nov. 24), things are crystal clear – it really is up to all of us Unit 3 members to earn our dignity – management won’t just hand it over. But when we show up like we did at the bargaining table, we show how united and powerful we can be when we work together. It is through many hands that make this work light! More hands will help overcome the tendency to reward those administrators at the top! If you have thoughts on what to do, keep reading!

When we fight, we win! And fight we must! 

But, how do we best fight right now? There are a few simple steps you can do to help right now. 

1. Get informed – read over the proposals in the links above. The more you know about the proposals, the more ready you will be to talk with your colleagues, community members, and friends and family. You can also check out the most current information on bargaining here and also sign up for updates that can be sent to your email. 
2. Bargaining is a social act! Gather your colleagues and ask them if they have seen the proposals, if not, show them! See, step one already has you prepared for this step! Bring the proposals up at department meetings. Chat up your hallway homies. The more critical mass we build, the more likely we are to be successful!
3. You can also stay tuned to future bargaining updates through the statewide newsletters in your email over break. 
4. If you have anything in particular you’d like to ask about the proposals or process, you can always reach out to Patrick Oberle (poberle@calfac.org), our chapter’s elected bargaining team representative, and resident faculty rights chair.

IF YOU ARE A MEMBER, you can attend Open Bargaining Caucuses. These sessions will coincide with the live bargaining sessions. When the bargaining team is not in the meeting room with management, they will be in an Open Bargaining Caucus session, via a Zoom room where you can receive updates on the process, ask questions and give feedback – as well as just be in fellowship with your union siblings. You will need to be a member to register and to join the meeting (no link sharing, please!).

JOIN NOW to join us in the caucus! It is in community with the process that we will be successful! 

Now you know, and knowing is half the battle…GO CFA!

Already a member? Do this simple member outreach:
Ask just two colleagues if they are members! A quick conversation could ensure all our futures!

Be active in your union to ensure we all get a strong contract. We all make up this union. Our hands are the work that makes it great and powerful.

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