Breaking Newshttps://www.csueu.org/news/archiveState Draft 2024-25 Budget Funds Compact with CSU, with Defermenthttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/state-draft-budget-defers-payment-to-csuLegislativeMon, 15 Jan 2024 18:43:45 GMTGovernor issues draft budget<p>Gov. Gavin Newsom’s draft budget includes $240 million for the CSU but defers actual payment of this money to the next fiscal year 2025-26. Under so-called “compacts” negotiated between the Governor and the CSU (as well as the UC) in 2022, the state guaranteed 5 percent funding increases each year for five years. In exchange, the university systems agreed to increase in-state admissions and meet other goals.</p> <p>Facing a $38 billion budget deficit, the Governor says the CSU (and UC) should fulfill their compact commitments (including staff compensation and raises) and spend their own CSU money or borrow money and the state will reimburse both higher ed institutions in 2025.</p> <p><strong>CSUEU members in Units 2,5,7 and 9 ratified a 3-year contract which provided for a 5% salary increase, retroactive to July 1, 2023. We are expecting the 5% bump in paychecks by April 1. In addition, we are scheduled to receive our second 5% general raise on July 1, 2024. </strong>More information is contained in a CSU <a href="https://csueu.org/Portals/0/Documents/2024/Tech%20Letter%20Compensation.pdf" target="_blank">Jan. 16, 2024 letter</a> to employees.</p> <p>CSUEU leaders will work with the CSU, the Governor's office, and the Legislature to make sure the compact funding is protected in this year’s budget.</p> <p>The Governor's budget is Step 1 in a 6-month process of legislative hearings – and intense negotiations - culminating on June 15, the deadline for the state to adopt a budget. The next key step is May when the Governor issues a revised budget. Stay tuned for future budget updates.</p> <p>If you are not yet a member of the union, now is the time <a href="http://www.csueu.org/join" target="_blank">to join </a>to increase our member strength. Political advocacy is also critical to make our voices heard in Sacramento. Contribute to our Political Activities Committee <a href="https://csueu.org/political-advocacy/join-the-pac" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <blockquote> <p>Even though the overall state budget is uncertain, the CSU community is united in expecting the Governor to keep his multiyear commitment to funding the University which is essential to close equity gaps and promote student success. <br /> - Catherine Hutchinson, CSUEU President</p> </blockquote> CSUEU Endorsements 2022 Electionhttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/csueu-endorsements-2022-electionLegislativeWed, 12 Oct 2022 16:59:07 GMTCSUEU Endorsements | Nov. 8 Election<p><img alt="2022 Election Endorsements" src="https://www.csueu.org/Portals/0/Images/2022/ENDORSEMENTS%202022_C_900.png?ver=1j6ckliv7nc9Vbx0svUaUg%3d%3d" /></p> <p>Every election matters, every vote counts. The ballot box is the foundation of our democracy. Whether you vote by mail or wait for Election Day (Nov. 8), it is important as union members that we vote! </p> <p>See our <a href="https://www.csueu.org/political-advocacy/endorsements">CSUEU endorsements</a> for the 2022 Election and <a href="http://link.csueu.org/m/1/72380693/02-t22285-6639f9ef262542d3a9fdb5ad4eb78353/1/1/1">more</a>.</p> With More State Funding, Gov. Newsom Can Help CSU Address Race, Gender Pay Inequitieshttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/with-state-funding-gov-newsom-can-help-csu-fix-race-gender-pay-inequities-at-the-csuUnion ActivismMon, 06 Jun 2022 17:30:21 GMTCA Legislature and Governor Enter Final Phase of Budget Negotiations<p><a href="https://www.votervoice.net/CSUEU/Campaigns/95520/Respond"><img alt="Email Action: Tell Gov. Newsom to fully fund salary study's recommendations" src="https://www.csueu.org/Portals/0/Images/2022/Salary%20Study/EMAIL%20ACTION%20NEEDED_900.png?ver=ze2x3mONaRjL2hGqvaHeWQ%3d%3d" /></a></p> <p>We are on the cusp of winning salary reform at the CSU that will re-implement "steps" to the salary structure, tying employee salary increases to competency and length of service. The recent <a href="https://www.csueu.org/Portals/0/Documents/2022/Salary%20Study/A_Staff%20Compensation%20Program%20Assessment%20Project%20Summary.pdf?ver=6K0s4o0uXDyMGk_aflt3pg%3d%3d">salary study</a> shows that CSU non-faculty staff earn between 12%-20% less than the market. Further <a href="https://www.csueu.org/Portals/0/Documents/2022/Salary%20Study/CSUEU%20Gender%20and%20Racial%20Pay%20Gaps%20Full%20With%20Appendix.pdf?ver=bCWKga-pX4TwiK6pmsUtiQ%3d%3d">union analysis now reveals</a> that women and workers of color at the CSU lag in pay compared to white men. A steps salary structure, removing implicit and explicit management biases, could cut the racial/gender pay inequities by half.</p> <p>The state Legislature has agreed to increase support for the California University System by a total of $200 million in ongoing funding in order to lift stagnant wages for Support Staff at the CSU. We need Gov. Gavin Newsom to support the Legislative budget and commit to <strong>fully fund the recommendations</strong> of a salary study that showed University staff for far too long have earned less than the market.</p> <p>The governor and legislators are in the final phase of budget negotiations. <a href="https://www.votervoice.net/CSUEU/Campaigns/95520/Respond">Send an email</a> to the governor today to advocate for pay equity for Support Staff!</p> <p><strong>Budget Funding Status</strong></p> <p>We continue to press for full funding of the salary study's recommendations.</p> <p>Gov. Gavin Newsom originally proposed a $211 million increase to CSU to cover compensation increases as part of his compact with the CSU. Last week, the Assembly and the Senate <a href="https://www.csueu.org/news/archive/state-legislature-releases-budget#.Yp6bonbMJju">reached consensus</a> to add $100 to the $211 million (to achieve 4% General Salary Increases for CSU bargaining units) and another $100 million in Budget Year + 1 to fund part of the Salary Study.</p> <p>The CSU and CSUEU are jointly advocating for a $287 million state funding to be included in the state budget this year to tie employee salary increases to competency and length of service, just like all other state employees. </p> <p>Upcoming campus actions: Chico, June 9; Sac State, June 10; SFSU, June 24</p> <p>More about the Fund Our Future campaign: <a href="http://www.csueu.org/advocacy">www.csueu.org/advocacy</a></p> <p> </p> State Legislature Releases Budgethttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/state-legislature-releases-budgetLegislativeThu, 02 Jun 2022 09:40:21 GMTAdds $200 Million for General Salary Increases and Salary Study's Recommendations<p>The Senate and Assembly released their <a href="https://sbud.senate.ca.gov/sites/sbud.senate.ca.gov/files/Legislative%20Version%20Summary%20Final.pdf">Legislative version of the state budget</a> late on Wednesday (June 1), calling it "Delivering Prosperity and Strengthening the Future by Putting California's Wealth to Work."</p> <p>The month-long advocacy CSUEU members waged in May resulted in two significant augmentations for the CSU: $100 million to fund a 4% General Salary Increase (for the CFA, CSUEU and other CSU bargaining units); and another $100 million to fund the <a href="https://www.csueu.org/Portals/0/Documents/2022/Salary%20Study/A_Staff%20Compensation%20Program%20Assessment%20Project%20Summary.pdf?ver=6K0s4o0uXDyMGk_aflt3pg%3d%3d">salary study's recommendations</a>. These increases are on top of the $211 million Gov. Gavin Newsom already proposed to enhance CSU’s compensation needs in 2023.</p> <p><strong>“We view this as a good first step to start the merit step implementation,” said CSUEU President Catherine Hutchinson. “This is the first time the State Legislature has put any money on the table to fund the transition to a step system. This is also the first time the CSU has publicly supported the transition to steps. We are proud that all the unions came together and worked tirelessly to advocate for pay equity.”</strong></p> <p>Our work is not done. We will keep pushing for the state to Fund Our Future 100%!<br /> The Senate and Assembly will go into negotiations over the budget and we need to keep pushing for the salary study’s recommendations to be fully funded. Chronic wage stagnation, which disproportionately affects women and workers of color at the CSU, must end in order for there to be real prosperity for all.</p> <p>If you have not sent an email, <a href="https://www.csueu.org/take-action?vvsrc=%2fcampaigns%2f93774%2frespond">now is the time</a> to let your legislators know we need them to #FundOurFuture and fully fund the salary study's recommendations. And let's keep signing those postcards!</p> <p>The full salary study report is posted <a href="https://www.csueu.org/Portals/0/Documents/2022/Salary%20Study/CSU%20Report-Compensation%20Assessment%20%20Proposal%2031MAY2022%20FINAL.pdf?ver=YXtamAQnZm2QNEcZRJkK8g%3d%3d">here</a>.</p> Governor’s Proposed Budget Expands State Spending With $45.7B Surplushttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/governors-proposed-budget-expands-state-spending-with-457b-surplusLegislativeThu, 13 Jan 2022 12:12:36 GMTCA Proposed State Budget 2022-2023<p>Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Governors-California-Blueprint-Fact-Sheet.pdf">2022-2023 state budget</a> of $286.4 billion in total funds, with a projected surplus of $45.7 billion, is a 9.1% increase from the previous year. </p> <p>With nearly $21 billion set aside in the Rainy Day Fund, the state is in a strong position to help its public union workforce address rising cost-of-living issues during contract negotiations this year. </p> <p>View the <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Governors-California-Blueprint-Fact-Sheet.pdf">“California Blueprint.”</a>   </p> <p><strong>Budget Highlights</strong></p> <ul> <li>The Governor proposes a 5-year funding compact with the CSU, providing for 5% increase each year.</li> <li>A strong state budget brings opportunities for real salary reform at the CSU.</li> <li>The Governor is committed to work on a new Covid Sick Program.</li> <li>The budget expands Medi-Cal so that every Californian will have health care.</li> <li>The budget invests in developing jobs to support our climate change needs.</li> </ul> <p><br /> <strong>Funding for CSU</strong><br /> The Governor’s budget for higher education includes $8.5 billion total funds for the CSU:<br /> $4.9 billion ongoing General Fund and $233 million one-time General Fund.</p> <p><u>Ongoing General Fund Augmentations for the CSU</u><br /> An increase of $304.1 million to support the following:<br /> - Contingent upon the Administration and CSU reaching agreement on a multi-year compact by the May Revision, $211.1 million for a five-percent base increase to support operational costs.<br /> - $81 million to support California resident undergraduate student enrollment growth of 9,434 full-time equivalent students.<br /> - $12 million to support foster youth programs.</p> <p><u>One-time Augmentations</u><br /> An increase of $233 million for the following:<br /> - An increase of $100 million to support deferred maintenance and energy efficiency projects.<br /> - An increase of $83 million to construct the CSU Bakersfield Energy Innovation Center.<br /> - An increase of $50 million to support equipment and facilities improvements for CSU University Farms.</p> <blockquote> <p>“Gov. Newsom’s budget proposal contains critical investments in housing, health care, and education, making it clear that he shares our goal that we all must benefit from California’s thriving economy, which is powered by the labor of millions of hard-working women and men. We are encouraged to see that the proposal increases funding for higher education. An investment in CSU students and staff is an investment in the future.” - CSUEU President Catherine Hutchinson</p> </blockquote> Special Election: Last Day to Vote NOhttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/last-day-to-vote-no-on-anti-union-recallLegislativeSun, 12 Sep 2021 22:33:49 GMTVOTE NO SEPT. 14<p>Vote NO - This is CSUEU's recommendation for the Gov. Gavin Newsom Sept. 14 Recall Election.</p> <p>We urge you to “Vote NO” on the recall – the sole issue being decided in the election – and return your ballot today! You should have already received a ballot at your home. You do not need to vote for any of the nearly 50 alternate candidates. Simply “Vote NO” on whether Gov. Newsom should be removed from office.</p> <p>With the special recall election occurring on an unusual date, there could be a very low voter turnout, and it will be critical that those who oppose the recall vote! Not voting will not mean that you oppose the recall. Only by voting NO will your voice be heard!</p> <p><a href="http://www.csueu.org/vote-no">>> More election information</a></p> Gov. Newsom Signs Bill Funding CSU Salary Studyhttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/gov-newsom-signs-bill-funding-csu-salary-studyLegislativeFri, 16 Jul 2021 15:12:57 GMTCSU Salary Study Approved | July 14, 2021<p>Marking a significant step forward, CSUEU’s decades-long efforts to fix CSU’s broken salary system now have legislative and executive branch backing – and funding – that may finally bring salary equity to the nation’s largest public university system.</p> <p>Gov. Gavin Newsom this week signed <a cd-link-manager-tab="1" href="https://www.csueu.org/Portals/0/Images/2021/SB129%20pdf.pdf?ver=2021-07-14-140607-907" target="_blank">SB129</a>, a budget bill that allocates $2 million to the CSU state budget to hire an independent research firm to evaluate the current support staff salary structure at the CSU. </p> <p><a href="http://link.csueu.org/m/1/72380693/02-t21293-dbb0b91b57264bfbba487561f0ad5764/1/1/1">>> Full Article</a></p> Comprehensive Salary Study Approved in CSU 2021-22 Budgethttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/comprehensive-salary-study-approved-in-csu-2021-22-budgetLegislativeWed, 30 Jun 2021 18:11:53 GMTState Review of CSU Salary Structure | June 2021<p>As a result of CSUEU advocacy to improve the salaries of CSU support staff, the Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom have agreed to add $2 million to the CSU state budget to hire an independent research firm to evaluate the current support staff salary structure. </p> <p>The comprehensive study will look at issues relating to salary inversion and provide recommended actions including but not limited to a salary steps model. The study’s findings will be reported to the Legislature by April 30, 2022, prior to the state adopting its 2022-23 state budget. The legislative intent is that CSU would incorporate the on-going costs recommended by the study into its 2022 state budget request. </p> <p>With cooperation from the CSU, our Union worked closely with our affiliate SEIU State Council and the Teamsters (plus support from UAPD and APC) to secure the study and its funding. CSUEU and SEIU had proposed to add money to the CSU budget to provide equity increases to offset inversion.</p> <p>As a result of this dialogue, the labor groups and the CSU agreed to support the independent study to ensure a comprehensive approach to overdue salary reform. The CSU and CSUEU will continue working together in the Workgroup on Salary Structure to provide guidance to the study.</p> <p>The study also became increasingly important after CSUEU-sponsored SB 566 (state Sen. Connie Leyva, D-Chino), to provide 5% annual salary steps for CSU support staff, was not approved by a Senate committee and is no longer viable this year.</p> <p><strong>CA 2021-22 Budget</strong></p> <p>The 2021-22 state budget provides $299 million to restore the CSU base funding that was threatened to be cut last year resulting in staff lay-offs, and adds another 5% budget increase of $185 million in ongoing funds for next year.</p> <p>The CSU will also receive an additional $81 million in ongoing funds to increase CSU undergraduate enrollment by almost 9,500 students, $15 million ongoing to expand student mental health services, $15 million ongoing to address student unmet food and housing needs.</p> <p>Other CSU budget highlights include $25 million to establish the Center for Equity and Innovation and Technology at CSU Northridge, $433 million one-time and $25 million ongoing to transition Humboldt State to a polytechnic university, $60 million one-time for CSU Dominguez Hills infrastructure needs and $325 million for systemwide deferred maintenance. </p> <p>The 2021-22 state budget also increases student financial aid awards, including adding $515 million beginning in 2022-23 to reboot the Middle-Class Scholarship program to include low-income and middle-income students and pay for the total costs of attendance. The new funding would cover an estimated 33% of the state’s needs with the goal of phasing in 100% over time, which would result in debt-free college attendance for CSU and UC students.<br />  </p> Gov. Newsom Proposes 3% CSU Funding Increase in  2021-2022 State Budgethttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/gov-newsom-proposes-3-csu-funding-increase-in-2021-2022-state-budgetLegislativeWed, 13 Jan 2021 14:10:48 GMTCA Budget Proposal 2021-22<p><img alt="" src="https://www.csueu.org/Portals/0/Images/2021/Proposed%20State%20Budget%202021-22%20(1).png?ver=2021-01-13-142627-917" /></p> <p>Gov. Gavin Newsom's $227.2 billion budget proposal for 2021-22 includes a 3 percent increase in funding for the CSU. Our Union will continue working with legislators to ensure the University spends state and federal monies responsibly and with accountability. We will also advocate for the rehire of CSU support staff laid off last year from campuses that cited lack of funds or lack of work.<br />  <br /> There are four priorities the Governor is proposing to enact by the end of February: extend an eviction moratorium for renters (the legislature also wants to provide some financial relief); provide payments and loans to small businesses; provide $600 payments to individuals based on income; and expand COVID-19 vaccinations. No options to raise new state revenue are being proposed by the Governor due to the unanticipated influx of additional state revenue.<br />  <br /> According to the state’s Legislative Analyst Office, the $26 billion tax revenue of predominantly one-time funds means next year’s state spending commitments will still outweigh projected revenue, resulting in a small operating deficit in the 2021-22 budget that will grow to $17 billion by 2025. <br />  <br /> Facing a $54 billion budget deficit as a result of COVID-19, the state unexpectedly received a substantial increase in capital gains taxes as the earnings gap between the wealthy and poor has continued to grow.<br />  <br /> Budget trigger cuts that took place in October will still be dependent on receiving additional federal monies before being backfilled. It is anticipated that a new federal COVID-19 relief bill will be enacted early this year.<br />  <br /> The CSU reports receiving $564 million in 2020-21 federal CARES Act funding – with approximately half of these funds used to provide emergency grants to students. The COVID-19 relief bill enacted in late December 2020 includes additional federal funding to support state higher education, potentially providing a total of $2.9 billion. It is unknown at this time how these funds will be distributed among the state’s higher education segments.<br /> Governor Newsom's three percent increase to the CSU comes with the expectation that undergraduate tuition and fee levels remain unchanged:<br />  <br /> •    $111.5 million – three percent – increase in ongoing base funding to support CSU operational costs. Includes expectations that the CSU will maintain existing levels of resident undergraduate tuition and fees, reduce student equity gaps, commit to aligning student learning objectives with workforce needs, adopt online course and program policies, and create a new dual admissions pathway.<br /> •    $15 million increase in ongoing base funding to provide students access to electronic devices and high-speed internet connectivity, and to increase student mental health resources. <br /> •    $15 million increase in ongoing base funding to sustain and expand support for the Basic Needs Initiative component of the CSU’s Graduation Initiative 2025 to support students experiencing food and housing insecurity, financial distress, and other challenges that could disrupt their academic success.<br /> •    $2 million increase in ongoing funding to align online courses by 2023-24 with the Canvas platform used by community colleges. <br /> •    $1 million increase in ongoing funding to increase FTE enrollment by 115 students at CSU Stanislaus. <br /> •    $246,000 increase in ongoing funding for cost increases to provide continued broadband access. <br /> •    $175 million increase in one-time funds for deferred maintenance. <br /> •    $50 million increase in one-time funds for student financial assistance ($30 million), faculty professional development ($10 million), and to fund the CSU Monterey Bay Computing Talent Initiative ($10 million).<br />  <br /> The deadline for the Legislature to approve the budget is June 15.<br />  </p> State & Local Leaders Urge NO LAYOFFs at the CSUhttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/state-local-leaders-support-no-layoffs-at-the-csuLegislativeMon, 19 Oct 2020 16:25:26 GMTCounty Supervisors and State Legislators Question Need for CSU Layoffs<p><img alt="" src="https://www.csueu.org/Portals/0/Images/2020/State%20Local%20Leaders%20graphic%20900.png?ver=2020-10-19-160120-527 " /></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.csueu.org/Portals/0/Images/2020/CSU%20LAYOFFS%20LETTER%20.%20AGUIAR-CURRY%20.%20SONOMA%20STATE.pdf?ver=2020-10-19-103832-913">Read Letter from Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry</a> addressed to Sonoma State University President.</p> <p><em><strong>"Covid-19 has wiped away the livelihood of millions of Americans. I understand that it has also impacted the budgets of our higher education institutions. But, during such difficult times, l know you share the philosophy that public institutions, including our State Universities, must do everything possible not to turn away people struggling to provide for their families, especially with little hope of replacing that income in today's economy." - Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters)</strong></em></p> <hr /> <p><strong><a href="https://www.csueu.org/Portals/0/Images/2020/SFSU%20Pres.%20Lynn%20Mahoney%2010-5-20.pdf?ver=2020-10-08-102029-213">Read Letter from San Francisco Board of Supervisors</a> </strong>addressed to San Francisco State University President.</p> <p><em><strong>"This reduction in staff will place in jeopardy SFSU’s ability to recruit students and support them in myriad ways, including program coordination, registration assistance, communications amidst digital learning, guidance on financial aid and resources that enable timely graduation. These employee layoffs will also deprive workers and their families of their healthcare, thus placing their lives in jeopardy as they become increasingly vulnerable to a devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Your decision results in operational and financial burdens that we believe are avoidable." - Supervisors Gordon Mar (District 4), Matt Haney (District 6), and Norman Yee (District 7)</strong></em></p> <hr /> <p><strong><a href="https://www.csueu.org/Portals/0/Images/2020/LAY-OFFS%20LETTER%20.%20ASM%20MCCARTY%20.%2002%20OCT%2020.pdf?ver=2020-10-05-170452-813">Read Letter from Assemblymember Kevin McCarty</a> </strong>addressed to CSU Chancellor Timothy White.</p> <p><em><strong>"I am concerned to hear that 300 or more support staff have recently received layoff notices. Layoffs can have dramatic and disastrous consequences for individuals, families and communities, and I'm sure you would agree they should come as a last resort." - Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento). </strong>The Assemblymember is chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance</em></p>