Breaking News

Media: Unions Push to Cap Executive Pay

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:22:45 GMT

EdSource - March 5, 2026
Cal State unions push to cap executive pay, shield raises for organized workers

Cal State unions representing workers ranging from plumbers to professors are turning to legislation to strengthen their hands in disputes with the university system’s leaders. One bill sponsored by the California Faculty Association would cap executive pay at Cal State in response to recent salary increases for university presidents and top administrators. A second bill, sponsored by the Teamsters, is intended to prevent Cal State from reopening wage negotiations, a maneuver the union says allows Cal State to avoid paying the raises in their contract.

Catherine Hutchinson, the president of the California State University Employees Union, said Cal State has “used this statutory loophole to not hold up our contract” and back out of full salary steps. She said that some members expected a $700 per month salary increase, but have only added $40 to their monthly salaries. “Some of us work two to three jobs. We will not give up the CSU job, because we love our students and where we work so much that we are willing to sacrifice our health, our well-being, our self-care, to keep the job we love,” said Hutchinson, whose union represents 35,000 employees at CSU, including custodial workers, administrative staff and academic support staff. “But unfortunately, it does not pay a livable wage.”

Union Celebrates Retirement of Labor Representative Brenda Brown

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:09:35 GMT

Brenda Brown has worked in the labor movement for nearly 40 years. She’s heard all the jokes from younger workers, such as, “Did you have phones when you first started organizing?”

Yes, she did. Brenda grew up in the era of “landline” phones when there was an all-knowing "Operator" you could reach by pressing "O."

As a Eligibility Worker in LA County, Brenda got a taste of the union world when she signed up to become a Steward with the Local now known as SEIU 721. She then got a job as a labor representative there.

“I've never been afraid to speak out against injustice. Standing up for what's right has always come naturally to me,” she said. “A union representative told me I had leadership qualities and encouraged me not just to be a union member, but to become a Steward which gave me the chance to advocate for others in an official role.”

Brenda found her way to CSUEU in 2001 working as a labor representative, eventually serving as lead and unofficial Team Mom to HQ staff and union members who called her, "BB." Over two decades-plus, many came and went but Brenda remained, the glue and encyclopedia of all things CSUEU. Assigned to support the Bargaining Team, Brenda helped work on the last two contract negotiations that won historic salary increases for members.

Tessy Reese, Chair for Bargaining Unit 2, called Brenda a friend, mentor, and sister.

"I know many of us are better Stewards because of Brenda and will forever be grateful for her patience. Many of us still reach out to her to ask for advice and know she will gladly be there for us with her experience and knowledge," said Tessy. "When necessary, she would bring out her "No mess with me" attitude and helped our Union win many grievances and arbitrations. Brenda will be part of many of our lives even as she relaxes and enjoys her well-deserved retirement. BB is family now to many of us in CSUEU."

The CSUEU Board of Directors honored Brenda’s distinguished 25-year union service with a retirement celebration at their February meeting.

“When you spend nearly 40 years in an industry and 25 of those years with one organization, you do not just build a career, you build a life and a collection of memories that stay with you long after the workdays end,” Brenda said in her speech to the union leaders.

“I trained more Stewards than I can count, and while I may not remember every name, I know I contributed to building a strong foundation of leaders who continue to serve CSUEU today.”

Q&A: IN HER OWN WORDS

What was most fun about your work?
The most fun part of my work was training members to become stewards, spending time on campuses recruiting non-members, and preparing members to take concerted action when the moment called for it.

What message do you have for the next generation of labor advocates?
I would tell the next generation of labor advocates to never compromise their values, to lead with integrity, to listen to the workers first, and to identify and mentor new leaders so the labor movement can continue to grow and move forward long after we're gone.

What’s next?
I hope to slow down a little, breathe a little deeper, and enjoy the parts of life that work sometimes pushed to the side. I am excited for what is ahead, but I will always carry this place, this union, and all of you, with me.

Members Gather for Contract Kickoff

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:31:47 GMT

Our contact kickoff started last week with Fullerton, San Bernardino, and San Diego State. Career Staff and Student Assistants are coming together to identify what we want to fight for this year.

We are organizing together to increase our visibility and activity to win a strong contract with full salary steps and paid sick time for student workers.

Are you ready to turn up the heat on the CSU to ensure we get our fair share? The contract kickoff events, which continue in March (this week: L.A., Northridge, Dominguez Hills, and Cal Poly Pomona) are opportunities for union members to connect and begin strategizing what we are willing to do to win full steps implementation and fair first contract for student workers.

I was able to speak with many members as we engaged in discussions on topics such as better working conditions, benefits and a livable wage. We must stay informed, be engaged to WIN our contract." - Lola Cromwell, ASC II, San Bernardino

Click here to read more and view photos!

eNews | Feb. 11, 2026

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 22:09:59 GMT

When We Fight, We Win!
Campaign Kick Off Meetings

2026 will be the year we win transformative contracts for staff and student workers, by taking escalating actions across every CSU campus. We will make it impossible for CSU management to ignore us, ensuring better pay, benefits and working conditions for all.

In preparation for this ambitious contract campaign, we are hosting Kick Off Meetings on every campus in February and March.

>> Read More.

Show Solidarity in Zoom Meetings!

Download this Zoom background.

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Teamster Strike Solidarity

Members of Teamsters Local 2010 will begin their strike at CSU campuses next week. Find picket line information here. Our union stands in solidarity with all campus workers, and we encourage members to show support for our union siblings by wearing CSUEU blue! Questions about your rights? Read our FAQ.

CSUEU members on the Contract Action Team (CAT) are organizing solidarity actions locally on campuses. Get involved today by signing up to be a CAT member.

Join CAT

2026 is already a big year for STRIKES!

6,000 San Francisco educators said "enough is enough" and began their strike this week.

And they won't be the only education workers going on strike this year.

Los Angeles teachers (UTLA) authorized a strike, and SEIU Local 99 (who represents support staff like our union) at LAUSD are currently voting to strike.

31,000 frontline health care professionals at Kaiser in UNAC-UHCP have entered the 3rd week of their strike.

An additional 3,000 pharmacy technicians and lab workers in UFCW working at Kaiser joined the strike this week.

Workers in California are realizing their power. We are the engine moving our state's record breaking economy, but we are not getting our fair share. When we come together and take action, we can win the contracts we deserve.

When We Fight, We Win! Campaign Kick Off Meetings

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:02:14 GMT

2026 will be the year we win transformative contracts for staff and student workers. We will win our demands by taking escalating actions on every campus across the CSU. We will make it impossible for CSU management to ignore us.

These meetings will serve as an opportunity to shape our Plan To Win, meet other union members committed to winning the contract we deserve, and begin planning the campus actions that will be necessary to win.

We all can play a role to build our power across campus and the CSU system to win what we deserve.

We have 35,000 workers represented by our union; and for the first time in history, staff and student assistants are negotiating a contract at the same time.

Below is a tentative list of dates for campus Kick Off Meetings. These meetings are being organized by Campus Contract Action Team (CAT) members. Join the CAT, and help us make the start to our 2026 contract campaign a huge success.

Kick Off Meeting Dates

Fullerton - 2/18
San Diego - 2/19
San Bernardino - 2/19
Northridge - 2/25
Dominguez Hills - 2/25
Chancellor's Office - 2/25
Pomona - 2/26
Los Angeles - 2/26

Monterey Bay - 3/3
San Francisco - 3/4
East Bay - 3/4
Stanislaus - 3/5
San José - 3/5
San Luis Obispo - 3/10
Channel Islands - 3/11
Fresno - 3/11
Bakersfield - 3/12
Humboldt - 3/17
Chico - 3/18
Sacramento - 3/19
Sonoma - 3/19
Maritime - 3/19
Long Beach - 3/23
San Marcos - 3/25

eNews | January 28, 2026

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:17:06 GMT

CSUEU Bargaining Team Begins Contract Negotiations with Opening Proposal of Demands

It's official - we've delivered our opening proposal to kickstart contract negotiations with CSU Management. Called the "Sunshine Proposal," posted here, it is our Union's initial proposal outlining the issues we want to bargain over this year.

Vice President for Representation Jessica Dalton and Vice President for Organizing Erin Foote both addressed the Board of Trustees this week stressing the urgency of the moment for the Chancellor's Office to do right by workers.

Accompanying our proposal is a video featuring members speaking to the core issues that need fixing, such as, the chronicle abuse of temporary hires and contractors; unpaid salary steps; and the unchecked rollout of shared services and AI - all done without bargaining or accountability.

"The crisis facing CSU staff is not accidental. It is the result of deliberate policy choices made by the Chancellor’s Office. These decisions destabilize staff and weaken the support students rely on every day. It is hypocrisy to champion student’s upward mobility while undermining the workers who make student success possible. "If the CSU fails to deliver a contract that respects our labor, we are prepared to withhold it." - Jessica Dalton, Vice President for Representation

Union Members Suit Up for a BLUE OUT!

On the first day of contract bargaining, members across the state covered campuses in our signature CSUEU BLUE! We took action to show our strength and solidarity for this upcoming contract fight. Join the Contract Action Team (CAT) to participate in making our union stronger. In order to win our demands for this contract, we need to be prepared to do whatever it takes. See pictures from yesterday's action here.

Long Beach Auxiliary Workers Win Election!

Over 700 student workers at Beach Shops and ASI Long Beach won their election to join our union! Long Beach is now a wall-to-wall union campus. That means that no matter what type of work is happening on campus, whether its in dining halls, the rec center, or childcare facilities, and whether it is work done by students or staff, it is union work. We are all fighting for contracts this year together in ONE UNION in ONE FIGHT!

Lobby Day 2026!

Lobby Day is April 13-14, 2026. Join CSUEU members at California's capitol where we’ll meet with state legislators to advocate for the rights and interests of CSU employees. Do you want to come to Sacramento with your union? Fill out this short survey to apply.

Teamsters to Strike Feb. 17-20

Teamsters Local 2010 will conduct an unfair labor practice strike Feb. 17-20 at 22 campuses and the Chancellor's Oﬃce in protest of numerous unfair labor practices committed by the CSU. The right to strike is one of the most important tools a union and its members have to secure better working conditions. Honoring a picket line demonstrates labor solidarity, which improves wages and working conditions for all workers. Read our FAQ regarding what CSUEU members should know about honoring another union's picket line.

Campus Blue Out | Jan 27, 2026

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:31:39 GMT

BLUE OUT

Channel Islands

Fullerton

Humboldt

Long Beach

Northridge

San Francisco

San Luis Obispo

San Marcos

Stanislaus

Fresno

Bakersfield

Sacramento

East Bay

Sonoma

Dominguez Hills

San Diego Health Center

Pomona

FAQ - Teamster Strike February 17-20, 2026

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:14:49 GMT

Teamsters Local 2010 has announced their plan to strike during February 17-20, 2026 across all CSU Campuses.

The right to strike is one of the most important tools a union and its members have to secure better working conditions. Honoring a picket line demonstrates labor solidarity, which improves wages and working conditions for all workers. Here's what CSUEU members should know about honoring another union's picket line.

Is there an individual right of CSUEU-represented employees to honor a picket line?
Yes. Public employees, including CSUEU members, have an individual right to honor another union’s or another bargaining unit’s strike and not cross a picket line. Employees will not be paid for the time they are honoring the picket line. Employers cannot retaliate against public employees for choosing to honor another union’s picket line or their own union’s picket line that involves employees of a different bargaining unit.

Can an employee individually choose to honor another union’s or another bargaining unit’s picket line even if their labor contract contains a no-strike clause or a no-sympathy strike clause?
Yes. Individual employees can still choose to honor another union’s or another bargaining unit’s picket line even if their union’s labor contract contains a no-strike or no-sympathy strike clause.

Can I join a picket line if I have pre-approved vacation?
Yes, you can use your pre-approved vacation days to support a picket line.

Can I join a picket line while I'm taking a paid sick day?
No, you cannot use your sick days to support a picket line.

Why aren't we joining the Teamsters on strike?
Our contract does not expire until June 30, 2026, but the work has already begun on preparing for and building the power necessary to successfully strike and win on our demands. If you want to be a part of building the power of our membership, sign up for the Contract Action Team (CAT) to unite with and mobilize all CSUEU represented employees.

When we fight, we win!

Sunshine Proposal 2026

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 11:22:02 GMT

eNews | Jan 15, 2026

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:35:06 GMT

New Year Message from CSUEU President

Two weeks into 2026 and our Union is firing on all cylinders. Let me share with you what we have lined up and how every member is integral to our plan to win.

As you know, our contract expires on June 30. This is the year we enter into full negotiations with the Employer over pay, working conditions, and anything else that relates to our job and working life.

Let me be clear: We are demanding full Salary Steps implementation, and we will do everything in our power - up to and including withholding our labor - if CSU management continues to make excuses to deny us fair wages we can live and build a future on.

Chancellor's "CSU Forward" Plan Stumbles

On January 5, Chancellor Mildred García issued a message describing the CSU as aligned, collaborative, and committed to becoming an “employer of choice,” including an announcement about a one-time 3% payment for certain employees. We want to provide clarity and respond directly to that message.

The CSU is trying to create divisions between employee groups and use what would be a heavily-taxed bonus to bait employees into giving up base-building raises.

The Chancellor has chosen to move forward unilaterally with one-time payments for managers, administrators, and confidential employees - while excluding union-represented employees. That decision does not reflect meaningful collaboration or alignment. >> More

ACTION ALERT: Campus Blue-Out Jan. 27

Are you ready to unite with your co-workers and do what it takes to win the best wages, benefits and working conditions possible this contract cycle?

If so, mark your calendars & RSVP for our first action of the year!

The January 27th Board of Trustees meeting signals the beginning of our 2026 contract campaign, and employees at every campus will show their support and solidarity through a statewide "Blue Out."

Look for further info and coordination from your campus Contract Action Team. Show up in blue to signal you are joining the fight—because when we fight, we win!

Long Beach Auxiliary Student Workers Will Vote In Union Election on January 20

Over 800 student workers at Beach Shops and ASI Long Beach, which are private-sector campus auxiliaries, have organized to join CSUEU.

Students working in dining halls, the rec center, childcare, and more services on campus will vote to become one union with staff and student workers at Long Beach.