Starting Monday, faculty at California State University, the largest public university system in the U.S., will be staging a series of four one-day strikes across four campuses. Organized by the California Faculty Association (CFA), these strikes are aimed at demanding higher pay and more parental leave for professors, librarians, coaches, and other workers.

The strikes will take place at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; San Francisco State University; California State University, Los Angeles; and California State University, Sacramento. This is the latest effort by the CFA to secure better pay and benefits for the approximately 29,000 workers it represents. The union is specifically seeking a 12% salary increase and an extended parental leave from six weeks to a full semester. Additionally, they are advocating for more manageable workloads, improved access to breastfeeding stations, and gender-inclusive restrooms.

Anne Luna, the president of the faculty union's Sacramento chapter, stated that these workers require a boost in pay and benefits as the cost of living, including rent, groceries, and child care, has risen significantly in recent years. Luna emphasized that the university system has the means to provide fair compensation and safe working conditions, asserting that it is time to stop allocating tuition and taxpayer money to a top-heavy administration.

However, the California State University chancellor's office has expressed concerns about the financial implications of the union's demands. They estimate that the salary increase sought by the CFA would result in $380 million in new recurring spending for the system. This amount exceeds the increased funding provided by the state for the 2023-24 year by $150 million. Leora Freedman, the vice chancellor for human resources, emphasized the university system's commitment to fair compensation and competitive benefits but stressed the importance of maintaining fiscal sustainability.

Despite these disagreements, the chancellor's office has acknowledged the workers' right to strike and has committed to minimizing disruptions on campuses. Meanwhile, other unions within the California State University system are also fighting for improved pay and bargaining rights. Last month, the Teamsters Local 2010 union, representing plumbers, electricians, and maintenance workers, held a one-day strike to advocate for better wages. In October, student workers across the university system's 23 campuses became eligible to vote on forming a union.

Jason Rabinowitz, secretary-treasurer for Teamsters Local 2010, announced their intention to strike in support of the faculty union. Rabinowitz highlighted the disparity in pay between skilled workers employed by California State University and their counterparts at University of California campuses. He pledged continuous solidarity with fellow unions until all workers at the university are treated fairly.

This strike occurs during a year marked by significant labor actions, including healthcare professionals, Hollywood actors and writers, and auto workers demanding better pay and working conditions. Moreover, new California laws have been implemented to grant workers more paid sick leave and increase wages for healthcare and fast food workers. Notably, the previous year saw teaching assistants and graduate student workers at the University of California going on strike for a month, causing disruptions as the fall semester concluded.

In summary, the California Faculty Association is leading the fight for improved pay and benefits for approximately 29,000 workers at California State University, initiating a series of one-day strikes across four campuses. While the union seeks a 12% salary raise and extended parental leave, the university's administration is concerned about the financial sustainability of these demands. Other unions within the system, including Teamsters Local 2010, have expressed solidarity and plan to strike in support of the faculty union. This strike coincides with a broader labor movement in California, where workers across various sectors are advocating for better compensation and working conditions.