The California State University (CSU) system and the California Faculty Association (CFA) have reached a tentative agreement, and all courses scheduled for the remainder of the term will continue as normal, according to Tim White, chancellor for CSU, who made the announcement in an April 8 email to students.
Educators in the state’s public university system had been ready to strike this month for a 5-percent pay raise.
“I know and regret that the threat of a strike— called by the CFA— has been disconcerting for students,” White wrote. “Indeed, it has been so for faculty, staff and administrators as well. I am very pleased to have this behind us now.”
White added that, with the announcement, the university system can increase investment in faculty’s compensation.
“All of these investments in faculty and staff are investments in our students and their learning environment— our highest priority,” White wrote. “Today’s announcement is a good moment for our university community, but the work continues. We need your voices— as students— to join with ours in asking our champions across the state and in the Legislature to stand with CSU. Together, we will create lasting success for your future.”
Seventieth District Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach), who is chair of the Assembly Education Committee, issued a statement April 8 in response to the tentative agreement.
“The agreement between CSU officials and faculty members will provide tremendous benefits for our state and economy,” O’Donnell wrote. “I was proud to march alongside fellow educators in the Fight for Five so that lecturers, counselors and professors might earn a competitive salary. This is a win for the CSU system, the amazing men and women of CFA, and above all, our students, whose learning experience will be strengthened by CSU’s ability to attract academic talent.”
