Breaking Newshttps://www.csueu.org/news/archiveHistory Made: 97% Student Assistants Vote UNION YEShttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/history-made-97-student-assistants-vote-union-yesUnion ActivismFri, 23 Feb 2024 15:01:50 GMT20,000 Student Assistants join CSUEU<p><img alt="" src="https://csueu.org/Portals/0/Images/Campaigns/Student%20Workers/2024/Victory_WEBx.png" /></p> <p>Student Assistants delivered an unmistakable message to the CSU today: They are ready to take their seat at the labor table and have a say over their work, their pay, and their working conditions. </p> <p>Of 7,252 valid electronic ballots cast, 97% voted YES to join CSUEU, which  becomes the largest union of undergraduate student workers in the U.S.</p> <p>With today's historic vote, CSUEU membership size just doubled - along with our power - and together we will hold CSU management accountable and restore the university mission of equality and opportunity. </p> <p><strong>"I could not be more proud of the hundreds of student workers who put in thousands of hours of work to make this victory possible today," said CSUEU President Catherine Hutchinson. "As a powerful engine for economic mobility, the CSU is positioned to change lives for the better. Those who work here make that mission possible and we will remind management that every day."</strong></p> <p>Once CSUEU is certified to represent our new Bargaining Unit 15, the student workers will decide what they want want to win in their first contract and begin selecting their Bargaining Team. As CSUEU members, let's embrace this next generation of labor leaders and show we are truly #StrongerTogether.</p> <hr /> <blockquote> <p>"We are overjoyed and absolutely ready to march with our new CSUEU siblings to build a better CSU for all of us. We stand on the shoulders of workers at McDonalds, Amazon, and Starbucks. We work in Higher Ed, but our needs are the same: Fair wages, decent benefits, and respect for our work and our value to the organization. This is a new day at the CSU and we are only going forward from here."<br /> - Gem Gutierrez<br /> Sacramento State</p> </blockquote> Member Organizer Spotlight: Ashley Hanson, East Bayhttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/member-organizer-spotlight-ashley-hanson-east-bayUnion ActivismWed, 24 Jan 2024 10:51:08 GMTAshley Hanson, Health Education Assistant<p><strong>Ashley Hanson</strong><br /> Health Education Assistant<br /> CSU East Bay</p> <div> <div> <p><strong>Why are you working to help Student Assistants win their union? </strong><br /> My department employs dozens of student assistants, without whom we would not be able to serve our campus on the scale that we do. Student assistants make our work possible! That being said, the respect that I have for these students- my coworkers- is not reflected in the way that they are compensated and treated on an institutional level. Stepping up as a member organizer is my way of putting my words of support for these students' success into action.</p> </div> <div><img alt="" src="https://csueu.org/Portals/0/Images/2024/Ashley%20Hanson%201%20crop%20small.jpg" /></div> </div> <hr /> <p><strong>Describe the work you are doing:</strong><br /> I'm part of a team that is opening our union doors to allow student workers to advocate for themselves, to empower them meaningfully so that when they graduate and leave CSU they know how to engage with their future employers in a way that demands respect and recognition of their value."</p> <hr /> <p><strong>What is exciting / rewarding about your interactions with Student Assistants?</strong><br /> The longer I serve at CSU, the farther away in lived experience I get from the majority of the student population. Working with student assistants provides valuable perspective on the state of the university and the broader community in general. I learn from them constantly</p> <hr /> <p><strong><img alt="Ashley Hanson with Student Assistant Tanay Pradeep Patil" src="https://csueu.org/Portals/0/Images/2024/Ashley%20Hanson%20with%20SA%20Tanay%20Pradeep%20Patil%20square_small.jpg" style="float: left; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" />What are SAs telling you about why they want a union?</strong><br /> Student assistants are interested in flattening power structures to have more equitable relationships with their leadership. They want pay that reflects the value of their work- they know the university couldn't run without them and see the disparity between that important work and their meager pay. Those that do work very similar to, or the same as, fully benefitted staff want to see some of those benefits for themselves such as sick pay, PTO, and parking discounts.</p> <hr /> <p><strong>What is the benefit to CSUEU members when 20,000 Student Assistants join our union?</strong><br /> As in our working relationships, I believe we can learn a lot from the perspectives, motivations, and gumption of out student assistant coworkers. When they show up in force, we stand to double our overall bargaining power, further leveling the power imbalance between CSU labor and CSU management.</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Why do unions matter?</strong><br /> As wealth disparities continue to widen, unions give the people who do the work to keep society running a voice and an opportunity to create a fairer economy.</p> <p>PHOTO #2 shows Ashley with Student Assistant Tanay Pradeep Patil</p> Remembering Jacqueline Otis, Shining CSUEU Leaderhttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/remembering-jacqueline-otis-shining-csueu-leaderUnion ActivismMon, 15 Jan 2024 19:15:27 GMTJacqueline Otis was Chapter President of CSUEU Fullerton 2008-21<p>By Vicky McLeod<br /> CSUEU Fullerton Chapter President, Legislative Committee Chair</p> <p>CSUEU members and CSU Fullerton employees are mourning Jacqueline Otis as her passing has shaken many. It is never easy to say goodbye to a family member, and that is what Jacqueline Otis was to many within the CSU Employees Union and CSU Fullerton – Chapter 317. </p> <p><img alt="Jacqueline Otis" src="https://csueu.org/Portals/0/Images/2024/J%20Otis%20pic%20crop%20small.png?ver=r-wC3cXJnLLx0j_gxo0X6w%3d%3d" style="float: right;" />It is rare to come across a person who lasts in an organization or stays involved for the sake of others, but Jacqueline was a true advocate and a Titan who reached higher. When standing up for employees, Jacqueline made sure others heard her voice. Her tall stature and feisty approach may have startled a few, but once her facial expression radiated that bright smile, she showed herself to be a generous woman with a big heart.</p> <p>Jacqueline was known at Chapter 317 and across the CSU system. She developed a positive working relationship with numerous campus presidents, management in human resources, faculty, staff, students, and sibling unions across the university. She touched many individuals at regular CSUEU board meetings, socializing with other chapter presidents and members. </p> <p>Shopping at Macy's to add to her stylish wardrobe was always a delight when visiting Sacramento. Weekend meetings consisted of sharing work and family stories of trips and adventures. Jacqueline cherished family, and she was heartbroken when her mother passed. She spoke fondly of family members, especially her daughter, LaTania, and grandchildren. She was proud of LaTania's accomplishments and career path. Sharing a series of events with others about being a grandmother made Jacqueline's smile grow more prominent. Her unconditional love for her precious grandchildren truly made her life complete. Her work ethic, public service, and unselfishly giving to others will live on within them.</p> <p>Before working at CSU Fullerton, Jacqueline worked 20 years at AT&T. Jacqueline retired in December 2021 after working at CSU Fullerton for 25+ years. There is no way to honor all that she accomplished. Our deepest condolences to personal family members, the Titans family, and the CSUEU family. May each of you have peace and comfort. May Jacqueline rest in peace and be reunited with her mother and others who passed before her. I will not be surprised if Jacqueline is in heaven organizing a union to ensure all angels are appropriately treated. Until we meet again, no more illness and time to rest. We all know that Jacqueline will ensure the Pearly Gates is functioning correctly. Her many years of service will grant her heavenly wings.</p> <p>Please say hello to Kim and share the news of CSUEU obtaining Steps. May the two of you know how much you are missed and Thank You for all you did!</p> <p>I believe Maya Angelou's quote rings true because Jacqueline truly made the work environment a better place: "I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people."<br />  </p> Staff and Student Assistant Spotlight: Michael and Loganhttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/staff-and-student-assistant-spotlight-michael-and-loganUnion ActivismThu, 02 Nov 2023 17:02:38 GMTStaff and Student Assistant Spotlight | Nov. 3, 2023<p><strong><img alt="Staff and Student Assistants at Fresno State" src="https://csueu.org/Portals/0/Images/2023/StudentAssistants/Michael%20and%20Logan_bigcrop2.jpg?ver=T9N9FaHX2qsPxb7-nGjXdQ%3d%3d" /></strong></p> <p><strong>Staff and Student Assistant Spotlight</strong></p> <p><strong>Up 20,000 Student Assistants are on their way to a union election where they will be able to vote to join CSUEU members and have representation at the bargaining table. Right now, a group of CSUEU members are taking paid union leave to talk to Student Assistants about the campaign and commit them to vote UNION YES in their election.</strong></p> <p><strong>YOU too can join the organizing movement on your campus - <a href="https://secure.everyaction.com/_vEgWWnpAkqcZxxuKgctRA2" target="_blank">sign up here</a>!</strong></p> <hr /> <p><strong><img alt="" src="https://csueu.org/Portals/0/Images/2023/StudentAssistants/Michael%20and%20Logan%20crop.jpg?ver=ozjr46VBFWpormHUydKp3Q%3d%3d" style="float: right;" />Michael Ballin: Food Security Program Staff, Fresno State</strong><br /> Horoscope: Scorpio</p> <p><strong>Logan Mouawangyee, Senior, Kinesiology, Student Assistant, Fresno State</strong><br /> Horoscope: Libra </p> <p><strong>Michael, What do you do at Fresno State? </strong><br /> I work as Food Security Staff at the CSU Fresno where we give a lot of resources to students. <br /> Rent and costs are high right now, and some students are dealing with homelessness. There is a diversity of challenges, and our campus is working to meet those needs. </p> <p><strong>Why are you on lost time release working as an organizer?</strong><br /> Some students want to work more than 20 hours, and earn higher wages. It is important for us, Staff and CSUEU members to support our students and advocate with them. I joined to support Logan, one of twelve Student Assistants in my department.</p> <p><strong>Why should CSUEU Staff members get involved to support the organizing?</strong><br /> Our job is to support students and it's great working with students assistants. We are working and learning together. It is intrinsically a part of our jobs to support students. </p> <p><strong>Logan, what does it mean to you that Michael has joined the organizing movement?</strong><br /> It shows we have support. It shows students we are backed by CSUEU, and how much support we have from Staff. We work hand-in-hand already, and it is important staff and students support each other because we are working together everyday. </p> <p>YOU too can join the organizing movement on your campus - <a href="https://secure.everyaction.com/_vEgWWnpAkqcZxxuKgctRA2" target="_blank">sign up here</a>!<br />  </p> Tentative Agreement: Informational Meetings on Campus and Via Zoomhttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/tentative-agreement-informational-meetings-on-campus-and-via-zoomUnion ActivismMon, 23 Oct 2023 16:38:27 GMTTentative Agreement: In-person and Zoom meetings scheduled<p>There is a lot to know about the historic Tentative Agreement we have reached with the CSU. <br /> Members must <strong>register </strong>to attend an informational session with union leaders to have all your questions answered before VOTING YES!</p> <p>Frequently Asked Questions are posted <a href="https://csueu.org/news/archive/tentative-agreement-faqs" target="_blank">here </a>and will be updated throughout the ratification vote.</p> <p><span style="color:#c0392b;"><u>** NOTE: There will be Spanish translation for two Zoom sessions: 12 PM on Nov. 7 and 6 PM on Nov. 8.</u></span></p> <p><span style="color:#0072ce;"><strong>Statewide ZOOM – 12 Noon</strong></span><br /> Oct. 30: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aw56Y51DRoOHHcnuiw72PQ" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aw56Y51DRoOHHcnuiw72PQ</a><br /> Nov. 7: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Bi0-HarrQKmpa9doBo8m1w" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Bi0-HarrQKmpa9doBo8m1w</a> [Spanish translation provided]<br /> Nov. 8: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KPFBkD8lRdy7BjTnVdONkA" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KPFBkD8lRdy7BjTnVdONkA</a> <br /> Nov. 9. <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fiWSDNMOTt6wTC48gpoFnQ" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fiWSDNMOTt6wTC48gpoFnQ</a><br /> Nov. 20: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_T02fE6pnQRmS2dUuMeqnzQ" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_T02fE6pnQRmS2dUuMeqnzQ</a></p> <p><strong><span style="color:#0072ce;">Statewide ZOOM – 6 p.m.</span></strong><br /> Nov. 8: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nY2uGtjVQ--VkKVLbjojlw" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nY2uGtjVQ--VkKVLbjojlw</a> [Spanish translation provided]<br /> Nov. 9: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9CsE-F1vQu6eN2y6y2zgHg" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9CsE-F1vQu6eN2y6y2zgHg</a></p> <p><span style="color:#0072ce;"><strong>Chapter Meetings via ZOOM – 12 Noon</strong></span><br /> Oct. 27: Bakersfield [Zoom link to come]<br /> Nov. 13: Chancellor’s Office [Zoom link to come]</p> <p><span style="color:#0072ce;"><strong>Chapter Meetings In-Person On Campus</strong></span><br /> <u>Week of October 30</u><br /> Oct. 30: San Diego <br /> Oct. 31: San Marcos, Maritime<br /> Nov. 1: San Bernardino, San Jose, Fresno<br /> Nov. 2: East Bay, Stanislaus</p> <p><u>Week of Nov. 6</u><br /> Nov. 6: Northridge <br /> Nov. 7: Dominguez Hills <br /> Nov 8. Long Beach <br /> Nov. 9: Los Angeles </p> <p><u>Week of Nov. 13</u><br /> Nov. 14 Sonoma, Channel Islands, San Francisco<br /> Nov. 15: Humboldt, Fullerton, Monterey Bay<br /> Nov. 16: Chico, San Luis Obispo<br /> Nov.17: Sacramento, Pomona<br />  </p> FAQ: What Is a ULP Strike?https://www.csueu.org/news/archive/faq-what-is-a-ulp-strikeUnion ActivismWed, 14 Jun 2023 10:25:24 GMTFAQ: What Is a ULP Strike?<p><img alt="FAQ What is a ULP Strike" src="https://www.csueu.org/Portals/0/Images/2023/Barganing/FAQ_Strike_web.png?ver=ccvo05Ks9bTz3GsS3Rhbww%3d%3d" /></p> <p><a href="https://www.csueu.org/news/archive/faq-what-is-a-ulp-strike-spanish" target="_blank">Leer en españ<span lang="VI" style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">ol</span></span></span></a><br /> <a href="https://www.csueu.org/news/archive/faq-what-is-a-ulp-strike-chinese" target="_blank">简体中文阅读</a></p> <p>When an employer bargains in bad faith, workers could start considering exercising their right to withhold labor.<br /> Here are some basic facts every worker should know.</p> <p><strong>Q. What is an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike? </strong><br /> A: A ULP strike is a strike over an employer’s illegal behavior, such as when they engage in unfair labor practices by not bargaining in good faith or interfering with employee union activity. In a ULP strike, our jobs are fully protected and we are entitled to return to work when the strike is over. During a strike, we withhold our labor from the CSU.</p> <p><strong>Q. Is it legal to strike?</strong><br /> A. Yes. Under state statute, public employees have a right to engage in a lawful strike. Strikes are a powerful tool of last resort to make changes in our workplace. </p> <p><strong>Q. When would we go on strike?</strong><br /> A. CSUEU would first hold a Strike Authorization Vote. If the majority of voting members  approves (50% plus 1), the Bargaining Team would then prepare a plan to strike. </p> <p><strong>Q. How long would a ULP strike last?</strong><br /> If members authorize a strike, our Bargaining Team will set the date and duration of the work stoppage.</p> <p><strong>Q. Why would we strike?</strong><br /> We would strike to demand that the CSU stop committing unfair labor practices and bargain in good faith. </p> <p><strong>Q. What would I do during a strike?</strong><br /> All members should be on the picket line to stand strong together. This is especially important at shift changes, press conferences, and solidarity rallies.</p> <p><strong>Q. What about healthcare and other benefits?</strong><br /> Current state law prohibits the Employer from discontinuing employer contributions for health care or other medical coverage for employees who are on a legal strike.</p> <p><strong>Q. Can I be disciplined for participating in a strike? </strong><br /> No. A ULP strike is a protected concerted activity, and it is illegal for an employer to even threaten an employee with discipline. Please report any abuse by management IMMEDIATELY to a Bargaining Team member or Labor Relations Representative (LRR).</p> <p><strong>Q. Do I need to tell my supervisor that I will not be reporting to work on the strike day?</strong><br /> No, you do not need to tell your supervisor anything. Our Union may choose to provide the CSU with notice before a strike. </p> <p><strong>Q. What do I say if my supervisor asks if I will be joining a strike?</strong><br /> The supervisor has no right to ask if you will be going on strike. You do not need to tell your supervisor anything.  Let your LRR know right away; even questioning an employee about their participation could be considered an Unfair Labor Practice.</p> <p><strong>Q. Can workers on probation participate in the strike?</strong><br /> Yes, all employees have the right to strike and are protected against retaliation for engaging in legal strike activities.</p> <p><strong>Q. Can Temporary Employees participate in the strike?</strong><br /> Yes, all employees have the right to strike and are protected against retaliation for engaging in legal strike activities.</p> <p><strong>Q. What if the CSU determines I am an “essential” employee and cannot strike?</strong><br /> The CSU would need to clearly demonstrate to a court that your work stoppage poses a substantial and imminent threat to public health or safety. If that were the case, there are many options, including having the CSU hire contractors so that your protected right to strike is not infringed.</p> <p><strong>Q. Can non-members join our picket line?</strong><br /> Yes, but they should join CSUEU NOW (www.csueu.org/join) because numbers matter and we demonstrate strength when the CSU sees we have high membership.</p> <p><strong>Q. Will we be paid while on strike? </strong><br /> No, we do not get paid while on strike, which is why it is always the weapon of last resort for workers. No one “wants” to go on strike; we want to work and recognize our work stoppage will have great impact on students who rely on our services. </p> <p><strong>Q. What can I do to prepare for a strike?</strong><br /> We can start setting aside a savings account now, to cover the unpaid days when we are on strike. Those with children should develop a plan with relatives and childcare providers to cover a strike scenario. For those with a second job, it is your decision whether you can stay on the picket line, but know that the more bodies we have on the strike line, the stronger we are.</p> <p><strong>Q. Will there be food on the strike line?</strong><br /> Yes, CSUEU will provide water and snacks. Union attorneys will also be a valuable resource and will be on stand-by as needed.<br />  </p> Cal Poly Pomona Custodians Organize a Rare IRP Victoryhttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/cal-poly-pomona-custodians-organize-a-rare-irp-victoryUnion ActivismWed, 03 May 2023 18:38:29 GMTUnion campaign wins raises for Cal Poly Pomona Custodians<p>Last fall, a group of Custodians at Cal Poly Pomona were frustrated with understaffing, workload capacity, lack of salary increases and equity issues. (Sound familiar?!)  Chapter President Hector Maciel set up a meeting with 25 Custodians and the team began strategizing.</p> <p>Supported by Union resources and research data, the Custodians were able to show salary comparisons with neighboring CSU campus Fullerton. Armed with the pay inequity information, a group of Custodians filed for In-Range Progression. Along with other advocacy tactics addressed to Campus President Soraya Coley, the campaign successfully secured raises for virtually all the Custodians on campus!</p> <p><strong>By coming together and showing solidarity as union staff, CSUEU members at Cal Poly Pomona helped their underpaid Custodial Unit win a 3% salary increase effective this February.</strong> >> Follow the Chapter on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/csueu319/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>“Let’s go, Cal Poly Pomona! It's great to see that our hard work and dedication paid off with a positive outcome for our Custodians,” said President Maciel. “I want to recognize the important contributions of the 25 Custodians who took the initiative to work on filling out the IRP form and submitting it. Their efforts helped to improve the situation not only for themselves but for the entire group of Custodians at Cal Poly Pomona.”</strong></p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Cal Poly Pomona Custodians in Photograph showing victory sign" src="https://www.csueu.org/Portals/0/Images/2023/Pomona%20BU5.jpg?ver=qLW6uY3fQQ1vHaFO4q_jAw%3d%3d" /></p> CSU Student Assistants Forming a Union Makes Headlineshttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/csu-student-assistants-forming-a-union-makes-headlinesUnion ActivismSun, 16 Apr 2023 16:12:01 GMTThe Sacramento Bee: Student assistants at California State University, backed by the California State University Employees Union, will file petitions Monday to form what they say would be the largest union of undergraduate student workers in the country.<p><a href="https://www.sacbee.com/article274285090.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Student Uktarsh Mehta speaks on video about his work as student worker" src="https://www.csueu.org/Portals/0/Images/Campaigns/Student%20Workers/SacBee_web.jpeg?ver=nnU_aHksfn9hgg5I1-5SlQ%3d%3d" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/education/article274285090.ece" target="_blank">Sacramento Bee | April 16, 2023</a></p> <p>"Student assistants at California State University, backed by the California State University Employees Union, will file petitions Monday to form what they say would be the largest union of undergraduate student workers in the country. Many of the students say they’re financially independent and need higher wages, more hours, and paid time off for sickness and holidays to afford basic living expenses like rent and groceries.</p> <p>"The California State University Employees Union has helped the students organize and gather more than 4,000 worker signatures starting last November. They say they’ll submit those union cards Monday morning to the Public Employment Relations Board to hopefully trigger a union vote.</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>“There are so many student workers who just don’t have the resources and support from the institution,” said Grayce Honsa, 21, a third-year political science and women’s studies major at San Diego State. “Yet, we are the people making that institution run on the day-to-day.”</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>"Although the students often complete the same types of work as staffers like her, Hutchinson said, they don’t receive any of the benefits or protections unionized workers have. If a student worker gets sick, they can’t get sick pay. Unless they can afford to forgo the hours, they have to arrange to make up the time later.</p> <blockquote> <p><strong> “We’re supporting the students coming together to form their union because it’s the right thing to do,” Hutchinson said. “If they’re doing any work, they should have a union.”</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>The CSU does not pay Student Workers sick or holiday pay. That means studens like Utkarsh Mehta, at Sacramento State, lost five hours of income when the University closed for the Cesar Chavez holiday last month.  From the Sacramento Bee: "The $77.50 that Mehta lost from the canceled holiday shift could’ve covered more than a week’s worth of groceries, they said, and helped make a dent in their utility bill."</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>“It was very ironic for me to lose five hours of work because of the Cesar Chavez holiday, given everything he’s done.”</strong></p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p> </p> Bargaining Team Tells Trustees CSU Must Do Better for Students and Staffhttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/bargaining-team-tell-trustees-csu-must-do-betterUnion ActivismWed, 22 Mar 2023 14:53:14 GMTCSU Board of Trustees | March 21, 2023<p>CSU Board of Trustees | March 21, 2023</p> <p>Labor groups joined in a statewide "Sticker Up" action on Tuesday March 21. CSUEU stickers read: "Steps Now, Strike Ready."</p> <p>Bargaining Team members addressed the Board during public comments and called on the CSU to implement the Steps recommendation from the Mercer Salary Study. A signficant number of speakers called attention to the abusive working conditions CSU Athletic Trainers are working under, with CSUEU leader Tessy Reese sharing an online petition of more than 2,000 signatures - one third from students - demanding the CSU bargain in good faith.</p> <blockquote> <p>"The Mercer Salary study was a joint study that the CSU and labor groups undertook together. Yet the CSU has not taken the Mercer study into account when the CSU Bargaining Team presented what equates to the status quo wrapped in shiny paper. 23 “steps” of 2% tied to annual state funding? This is equal to or in some cases worse than the status quo. The CSU seems to have forgotten a vast majority of the study’s findings including  the need to properly classify people into classifications that reflect the work they do, updating old or outdated or catch all classifications, properly aligning the salaries of employees within new classifications and within the ranges based on their years with the system, moving to a recommended 9-step salary system, and introducing the recommended geographical differentiation for campuses situated in higher cost of labor areas. Instead, the CSU has repackaged the status quo calling it steps which as presented will continue the inequities of the existing broken salary system. The CSU must do better."<br /> -- Jessica Westbay, Vice President for Representation</p> <hr /> <p>"CSU Athletic Trainers provide healthcare to our student athletes but the health and well-being of the trainers themselves are in serious jeopardy. Their abusive work schedules can stretch to 80 hours a week. Our Bargaining Team first brought this matter to the bargaining table in 2017 but the issue continues to be ignored. Today we present this board with a petition signed by more than 2,000 CSU constituents. More than one-third of the signers are student athletes. Our petition reads, in part:<br /> 'CSU Athletic Trainers are trained to prevent, recognize, and assess injuries, as well as initiate rehabilitation programs.  <br /> Systemic mismanagement has led to an astonishing turnover rate of 26%.<br /> We call on the CSU to address through bargaining the longstanding issues Athletic Trainers face … such as: Working 7 days per week, often months without a day off, receiving no overtime pay … all while earning low compensation.'</p> <p>"CSU can and must do better!"<br /> -- Tessy Reese, Chair, Bargaining Unit 2 Health Care Support</p> <hr /> <p>"The CSU Support Staff are the backbone of the campuses, providing direct services to faculty and students. But they are leaving at alarming numbers because they see no future here. When an organization sees staff turnover in the double digits, it is time to ask the hard question: Is it me or is it them? In this case, the problem is you - the CSU. Everybody likes to say that they are here for the students. But I am here to tell you that a university that is not keeping its employees will not be able to attract students. Our working conditions are the students’ learning environment. Both need investment."<br /> -- Don Moreno, Vice Chair, Bargaining Unit 5, Operations Support</p> </blockquote> <p> </p> CSU San Marcos Renames Craven Hall Buildinghttps://www.csueu.org/news/archive/csu-san-marcos-renames-craven-hall-buildingUnion ActivismMon, 06 Feb 2023 21:08:22 GMTTask force recommends renaming campus building<p><strong>By Vanessa Vincent<br /> President, CSUEU San Marcos Chapter 321<br /> Chair, CSUEU Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee</strong></p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.csueu.org/Portals/0/Images/2023/Craven%20Hall.jpeg?ver=yPY5sdL_hA6PPccBkcQ6tA%3d%3d" style="margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: right;" /></p> <p>A movement that started 30 years ago is finally seeing results. Staff, faculty and students at CSU San Marcos never ceased advocating for the removal of an anti-immigrant's name attached to a prominent building on our campus.</p> <p>Following the recommendation of a task force, the CSU Board of Trustees voted to rename the Craven Hall building. Named after the late state Senator William A. Craven, the building memorialized a man who held racist views against undocumented immigrants and migrant workers and who in the 1990s advocated for legislation to discriminate against them.</p> <p>This change is so important for our DEI, Latinx, migrant and undocumented communities! It has given hope to so many that this change can help restore dignity and humanity. Also, a huge shout-out to Mike Geck, our CSUEU Chapter Vice President and Chief Steward for serving as the elected Staff Representative on the Craven Task Force and advocating on behalf of Staff voices on this very important issue.</p> <blockquote> <p>“I’ve been wanting this change for 30 years; it was extra special being so intimately connected to make it happen,” said Mike, recalling that he had learned about Craven’s racist reputation while stocking the CSU San Marcos bookstore for its initial opening. “Being a hardcore community activist in the San Diego Chicano community since the late 80s, it burned me big time. This shows that individuals willing to organize and come together can change institutions.”</p> </blockquote> <p>More information about the issue here:</p> <p><a href="https://www.csusm.edu/president/initiatives/craven/index.html" style="color:#004d96; text-decoration:none">https://www.csusm.edu/president/initiatives/craven/index.html</a><br /> <a href="https://thecoastnews.com/csusm-task-force-recommends-renaming-craven-hall/" style="color:#004d96; text-decoration:none">https://thecoastnews.com/csusm-task-force-recommends-renaming-craven-hall/</a></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></span></p>