The announcement comes at a time when negotiations between CSUEU and the university over the 2007/2008 salary package are at an impasse. CSUEU represents approximately 16,000 support staff on CSU's 23 campuses and in the Chancellor's Office.
"It is unfortunate that CSU management rejected our reasonable proposal for a 3.68 percent salary increase and forced us into impasse," said CSUEU President Pat Gantt. "But to make matters worse, the chancellor has announced another round of double-digit salary increases for himself and his top executives. Talk about rubbing salt in the wounds!
"The chancellor gets a 12 percent raise and the presidents receive up to 18 percent. Even the managers get nearly 7 percent. Yet the administration offers our employees less than 3 percent. It is clear once again that the CSU administration would rather put money into management than into the instructional process and the services and people that support it," Gantt said.
"CSU’s human infrastructure is crumbling. The CSU administration once again refuses to recognize the essential contributions made by those who provide health care, administrative and technical services, custodial services, grounds maintenance, and instruction. Without these services the CSU system would have to close its doors.
"While CSU remains underfunded, the chancellor and the top executives do not hesitate to take care of themselves first, regardless of the impact on staff, faculty, and students. We call on the Legislature to consider restructuring the CSU budget so that funds are used appropriately.”
CSUEU and the university have filed a petition with the Public Employment Relations Board declaring a bargaining impasse and seeking the appointment of a state mediator to facilitate an agreement.