In an unexpected turn of events, the strike initiated by faculty members within the California State University (CSU) system demanding higher wages concluded the same day it commenced, as both parties reached a tentative agreement. More than 30,000 professors, librarians, and support staff across 23 campuses joined the strike after contract negotiations were abruptly terminated by CSUS officials two weeks prior.

The California Faculty Association (CFA) had sought a substantial 12% wage increase, a demand met with a 5% pay raise offered by CSU, effective January 31. The striking faculty’s resilience and collective action proved impactful, highlighting the effectiveness of organized protests in labor negotiations. The CFA emphasized this sentiment, stating in a tweet, “In case anyone forgot, STRIKES WORK.”

The CSU-CFA deal, which swiftly ended the strike, encompasses significant concessions on both sides. The key points of the agreement include:

• A 5% General Salary Increase for all faculty retroactive to July 1, 2023.
• An additional 5% General Salary Increase for all faculty on July 1, 2024 (contingent on the state not reducing base funding to the CSU).
• An elevated salary floor for the lowest-paid faculty in salary Ranges A and B, with a $3,000 increase retroactive to July 1, 2023, and an additional $3,000 increase on July 1, 2024.
• A 2.65% Salary Step Increase (SSI) for 2024-25.
• Extended paid parental leave from six to 10 weeks.
• Enhanced protection for faculty dealing with law enforcement, ensuring a union representative is present during such interactions.
• Improved access to gender-inclusive facilities and lactation spaces, with a mechanism for monitoring access issues.
• Support for lecturer engagement in service work.
• Extension of the current contract for 2022-24 to June 30, 2025.

“This is a historic strike,” declared Anne Luna, associate professor at Sacramento State and chapter president, emphasizing the significance of the collective action taken by the faculty.

CSU Chancellor Mildred García expressed her satisfaction with the resolution, emphasizing the importance of fair compensation for faculty while maintaining the university system’s long-term financial sustainability. García looks forward to focusing on advancing student-centered initiatives within the CSU system.

Faculty members, who had passionately picketed in front of campuses during the strike, are expected to return to work on Tuesday, as confirmed by a statement from the CFA. The agreement marks a notable moment in the ongoing struggle for fair compensation and improved working conditions within the education sector.

In December, CFA members had previously staged one-day walkouts at four campuses, advocating for higher pay, manageable workloads, and increased parental leave. Notably, CSU had also reached a separate agreement with the Teamsters Local 2010 union representing plumbers and electricians last week.

The swift resolution of the strike underscores the power of collective bargaining and the significance of faculty unity in advocating for fair compensation and improved working conditions. As faculty members return to their roles, the agreement signals a positive step toward a balanced and collaborative approach between educators and university administrations. The successful resolution serves as a reminder of the efficacy of organized labor actions in shaping equitable outcomes in the academic landscape.