CSU Union Coalition Members Show Our Power at Campus Actions

This past week, CFA members and CSU union siblings demonstrated our collective power at actions across the state.   

Faculty and staff rallied on campuses and mobilized at events Chancellor Mildred García attended, making it clear that union workers are committed to fighting for the contracts we deserve. During many of the actions, CFA members cast their ballot for the Strike Authorization Vote, which began October 26 and ends November 19.  

Aseem Hasnain, CFA Fresno member and sociology professor, said he was super enthused to participate in a rally at Fresno State University.  

“The numbers from across the campus and collaboration with our sibling union just underlined, again, that we are all hurting, and we will all fight together until we have a fair contract.” 

Tracy Bessey, CSUEU Fresno State Chapter Organizing and Communications Committee Chair, just started her 30th year at the university. Bessey said she has never seen campus unions come together in solidarity like this to fight for fair contracts.   

“Seeing faculty and staff standing side by side, even in the rain, was a powerful reminder that we share many of the same struggles and that we are stronger when we support one another,” Bessey said. “We all contribute to making Fresno State a place where students can succeed, and we all deserve to feel valued for that work. Coming together sends a clear message to CSU leadership: we are united, we are paying attention, and we are committed to standing up for fair pay and respect for everyone who keeps our university running.” 

In Downtown San José, faculty, staff, and students held an informational picket outside a ritzy Signia Hilton Hotel where the CSU held its Student Success Symposium. Chancellor García gave a speech on the future of student learning during the event, but not before she and other attendees had to walk by union members picketing over pay, job security, and working conditions.  

“San José CFA members and our union siblings made it clear: management is concerned with persevering their six-figure incomes, while we are fighting for the working conditions that are the learning conditions for every student in the CSU,” said Joseph Navarro, CFA San José Membership and Organizing Co-chair and lecturer faculty. “Our action energized me and my colleagues, and we are ready to get out the vote to authorize a strike. Chancellor García better watch out because we are escalating our campaign for a fair contract.” 

More chapter actions are scheduled to take place today, and CFA members will continue mobilizing in the weeks to come.  

Next month, CFA and sibling unions will take action at the CSU Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach. You can sign up to participate here.  

Reach out to your field representative or chapter president for more ways to get involved.