Mid-Semester Catch-Up!

Hello, Union Siblings!

We are officially over halfway through the semester. The weather is getting warm, and CFA action is heating up, too. You’re in the “mid-semester mustard,” and it’s time to “catch-up!” The goal here is to get connected quickly and effectively with the important union happenings at our campus, as well as things across the union statewide. Here’s what you may have missed!

Local Budget Actions:

Library Funding Win!

Your efforts helped secure $3 million in “one-time” funding over three years for the Sac State Librarians! Librarian faculty  and non-librarian faculty alike, because of our collective action, our vocal support in the library breezeway at Academic Senate, showed administration where our budget priorities ought to lay. They heard us and we won a big chunk of money. Now, this money is “one-time” funding, which is not enough. We continue to push for ongoing, full funding of the library. It’s clear our organizing created an impact and led to the administration “finding” money.  The library will benefit for the next three years. Still, the work is never complete. 

So, what’s our next budget battle? 

Right now, we demand better funding for our core academic mission. Tell us what budget battle we should all take on next! Our core mission deserves more! 

Statewide Budget Actions:

Pay Attention to CSU Bakersfield!

CSU Bakersfield administrators sent notice to CFA in March about possible layoffs at CSUB due to budget shortfalls. Not only do we know we have the budget to pay for the courses – the funds are just reserved for new building developments, data centers, and stadiums –  but this is also just a blatant attempt to disrupt our action as a collective union by threatening the work of our fellow union siblings. When one of us is threatened, all of us are  threatened. So, keep watch of CSU Bakersfield. 

MORE IMPORTANTLY:

Keep watch here at Sacramento State, too. What attempts have you seen to disrupt our work in the name of austerity. Have your course caps been increased? Has your department chair been hamstrung by overzealous college administrators? We need to hear from you so we know what’s going on. You’re on the front lines and often the first to hear about workload changes. Department chairs: you do not have to be a vessel for the administrative message. You are still CFA, All Day!  Reach out. Let us know!!

Local  Action:

Teamsters Update

The local skilled laborers of the Teamsters Local 2010, joined by the CFA, CSU Employees Union (CSUEU), Academic Professional of California (APC), UAW Local 4123, as well as community members held a four-day strike out because the CSU failed to honor the negotiated raises and step increases back in 2024! We are proud to support the Teamsters in their fight, because their fight is our fight. As stated by Alma Flores, our chapter co-president, during the press conference held during the strike, “The Teamsters’ fight for better working conditions gives us more power to fight for the same gains. Their wins strengthen the bargaining power of all unions here today.” Teamsters show up when we need them, and we will continue to show up when they need us!

Statewide Action:

ARSJ – Equity Conference

On March 12-14, The Council for Racial and Social Justice held “Thriving through the Chaos: Resistance During Turbulent Times,” this year’s Equity Conference. For those who don’t know, the Equity Conference is meant to “give a chance for CFA members to connect for co-liberation” (Equity Conference HomePage). This year, topics for workshops, plenary sessions, and keynotes included: antisemitism; the integration of indigenous knowledge and practices within academic and community spaces; academic freedom, the EEOC, and Title IX; the politics of legislative process and a whole lot more. The Conference was powerful in many ways. Interested in attending a future Equity Conference? Reach out, let us know!

Lobby Days

On March 17-18, CFA members and interns with Students for Quality Education gathered at the state capital for Lobby Days. This two-day event is where we look to gain commitments from state legislators to ensure any funding given to the Chancellor’s Office must be used on the classroom, not the boardroom – among other issues! Check out this article from the Statewide Newsletter for more information on Lobby Days and our efforts in securing a budget that fulfills the mission of academia: educating people. Want to connect with CA State legislators to help forward our CSU mission? Reach out, let us know!

“Faculty Rights Tips” Reminders

When CFA statewide sends their newsletter updates they will always include tips about how to best protect our working conditions through the terms of the CBA. Here are a few of the latest tips you may have missed:

• Faculty Workload “Creep” in Times of Austerity (Article 20)
• Lecturers Performing Unpaid Service (Article 20.38)
• University Responsibilities to Faculty Health and Safety (Article 37)

Upcoming Events:

Spring Assembly: April 17-19th 

Every semester, CFA Board Members and Delegates meet to discuss the state of the CFA, vote on various issues, and make decisions about the future of our union. The event is specifically for those chapter delegates who have voting duties. Keep an eye out for the statewide newsletter for updates on what transpired. 

End-of-Year Social: Join us for a night in the park!

Calling all librarians, counselors, coaches, and faculty! We are excitedly planning something a bit different than years past to close out the year. We will be gathering for a picnic at Glen Hall Park on May 7 at 5:30 to relax our way into finals week together as union siblings. What a great way to spend time with your union family! So, save the date to bring your loved ones, bring a blanket, and enjoy the evening breeze (hopefully) with your fellow faculty! Check out the current details and RVSP here! 

Well, That About Does It!

You’re now in the know and caught up! When we all have a better sense of what is going on, we can all work together better. As we’ve learned from the Library Funding Campaign win, we are a powerful group when we work in the same direction! We look forward to your continued work in making this union strong!