Open leadership
Establish a regional structure with leaders elected by, for, and from all of our union's bargaining units.
Our Voice, Our Union Bylaws
Our voice. Our union. Vote yes.
We are 36,000 workers strong. It is time for bylaws that give every part of our growing union a voice in the decisions that shape our future.
36,000
Staff, student assistants, and campus nonprofit workers across California
36K
Workers are building power together at the CSU
Why our union must change
Our union has grown. Our democracy must grow with it.
Our last Staff contract covered 15,000 workers. Since then, more than 20,000 Student Assistants and 1,200 campus nonprofit workers have joined CSUEU. We are now the largest union at the CSU.
Our current bylaws were not built for the union we have become. Our newest members, who are fighting for first contracts, need a meaningful way to participate, vote, run for leadership, debate priorities, and make decisions.
When more workers have a voice, our entire union becomes stronger.
What the new bylaws do
More voice. More democracy. More power.
Member votes on dues
Ensure members have a direct vote on dues increases instead of leaving that decision only to elected officers.
Member votes on strikes
Enable members to vote on whether to strike when taking collective action is necessary to win.
Plain-language comparison
What changes for members?
| Current bylaws | Proposed bylaws |
|---|---|
| RepresentationNew bargaining units do not have a full path to representation in statewide union decisions. | RepresentationA regional structure opens leadership and participation to members from every bargaining unit. |
| Dues decisionsDues increases can be decided by elected officers. | Dues decisionsMembers vote directly on whether to increase dues. |
| Strike decisionsThe bylaws do not establish a direct member strike vote for the full union we have become. | Strike decisionsMembers are empowered to vote on whether to strike. |
| Union structureThe structure predates the addition of public- and private-sector worker groups now represented by CSUEU. | Union structureThe governing structure is updated to include our growing public- and private-sector membership. |
Built through member participation
Written to build a union for all.
The Our Voice, Our Union Bylaws are the product of regional summits and hundreds of conversations over the past year. Members discussed how to create a union where every worker can fully participate.
The proposal is the next step toward a stronger, more united CSUEU and updates our governing bylaws as our union includes both public- and private-sector workers.
Our union
Built through regional summits and hundreds of member conversations
Get ready to vote in July
Voting period
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Read the documents
Version confirmation required
Review the proposal before you vote.
Proposed bylaws
Read the complete Our Voice, Our Union Bylaws and review the governing language.
Download proposed bylaws PDFCurrent bylaws
Review the existing bylaws for comparison with the proposal. Confirm that this archived official copy is the latest version before launch.
Read current bylawsVersion confirmation required
Member comparison guide
A detailed guide can be added here when the final campaign resource is approved.
Coming soon
Frequently asked questions
What members should know.
Why is CSUEU proposing new bylaws now?
CSUEU has grown from a union whose last Staff contract covered 15,000 workers to a union of 36,000 Staff, Student Assistants, and campus nonprofit workers. The proposal updates our structure so all parts of our union can participate in decisions and leadership.
Will members get more say in union decisions?
Yes. The proposed bylaws expand participation across bargaining units, give members a direct vote on dues increases, and enable members to vote on whether to strike.
What does the regional structure do?
It creates a path for leaders to be elected by, for, and from members across all bargaining units. Members should review the complete proposed bylaws for the governing details.
Do the bylaws automatically increase dues or call a strike?
No. The proposal gives members a vote on dues increases and enables members to vote on whether to strike. Approving the bylaws is not itself a vote to increase dues or authorize a strike.
Why does legal compliance matter?
CSUEU now includes both public- and private-sector workers. The proposal updates our governing structure to reflect the union we have become. Members can review the complete legal and governance language in the proposed bylaws.
When and how will I vote?
Voting begins in July 2026. Exact dates, eligibility rules, ballot delivery instructions, and assistance information will be posted in the voting section above once confirmed.
Does signing the pledge cast my ballot?
No. A pledge shows your support and helps build the campaign. You must still submit your official ballot during the voting period.
Take a stand
Pledge to vote yes.
Add your name to the members building a more democratic, inclusive, and powerful union for all.
A pledge is not an official ballot. Every eligible member must vote through the official election process.