Breaking News

eNews | March 20, 2026

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:30:18 GMT

We Are Gearing Up for Action!

We have had contract campaign kickoff meetings at nearly every campus, and at every meeting members have shown a clear desire to fight for a strong contract. Coming out of these meetings, campus Contract Action Teams (CATs) have developed concrete plans to increase union visibility and actions on campus.

The kickoff meetings have highlighted that our members are willing to take escalating actions should the CSU fail to meet our demands. In order for action to be successful, we need to be united and organized. Join the CAT to make sure your campus is ready.

Our contract expires on July 1, 2026. From now until then, we must demonstrate to the CSU that we will do whatever it takes to win the contract that we deserve.

"When I worked as a teacher at LAUSD, I went on strike with my union twice and both times we won fair contracts with pay raises. I'm ready to strike at CSU if needed." - Taryn McHugh, Administrative Analyst, CSU Channel Islands

CSU's Unionized Workforce Calls for Full Funding

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s budget proposal this year gave us a very strong start. And 35,000 CSU career staff and student workers are counting on the state Legislature to follow through and adopt a budget that fully funds higher education in California.

CSUEU President Catherine Hutchinson joined with leaders from the CFA, Teamsters 2010, and UAW 4123 at a press conference this week (March 18) to urge elected leaders to adopt a budget that fully funds the five-year compact they have with the CSU.

Powerful allies speaking up in support of workers included Assemblymember Mike Fong and Lorena Gonzalez, President of the California Federation of Labor Unions.

"We have struggled with stagnant wages for far too long. Last year’s partial implementation of salary steps did not go far enough. In fact, it fell short of Management’s promise made to staff to bring us up to market-level wages. Funding higher education is an investment and our students and workers are absolutely worth it!" - Catherine Hutchison, CSUEU President

Bargaining Update: Management Puts Negotiations on Slow Track

CSUEU's Bargaining Team presented our opening contract proposals back in January, and so far, here's the total number of negotiation sessions we've had with Management: ZERO.

Among the many issues we want to address are standardized performance evaluations, usage of Temporary Workers, and contracting out. We are ready to bargain but need the Employer to provide dates.

We'll keep calling out CSU leadership on their stalling tactics. On the one hand, they tout Staff as the key asset that helps students succeed but refuse to provide the one thing that would help us: full steps to make our lives easier.

Make sure to fill out the bargaining survey to let our Bargaining Team what you want to fight for in Contract 2026!

New Member Spotlight

Join Ruben and activate your CSUEU membership today!

Big Union Win: Student Workers Successfully Organize at Gavilan College

Student workers at Gavilan Community College in Gilroy are making history. About 100 student workers have organized to form the Gavilan Student Workers Union and have recently won recognition at PERB, becoming one of the first student worker unions at the community college level in California.

Their efforts were inspired in part by the organizing victories of CSU student workers. CSUEU is proud to stand in solidarity with these student workers as they organize and build power on their campus.

Their victory shows that when workers come together, they can create real change, and it reflects a growing movement of student workers across higher education demanding respect, fair treatment, and a voice on the job.

Take Action: No Kings Day 3/28

CSUEU members are mobilizing this month to defend public higher education, protect our democracy, and peacefully demonstrate people power.

This is a chance for us to flex our union muscle as we prepare for greater action against the CSU.

Join your union siblings at an action near you by RSVPing.

RSVP for No Kings Day

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!

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

Sunshine Proposal 2026

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 11:22:02 GMT

FAQ: What to Know About Classification Review

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:08:58 GMT

UPDATE: Final Classification Review for Employees - November 2025

As part of CSUEU's negotiated agreement with the CSU in 2023 to prepare for a transition to a new Salary Steps structure, the University conducted a systemwide job classification review resulting in more than 4,000 employees being placed in a different classification.

Since April, workers had the opportunity to request a re-assessment if they had information that could change their new classification. However, employees did not actually occupy the new classification assignments until Oct. 1, 2025.

Our CSUEU Bargaining Team finalized negotiations with the Employer in November for workers to use the appeal language in our Contract [Article 9.27-9.28] to request an official classification re-assessment.

Note: The CSU retains the right to modify employees’ job duties, responsibilities, or skill levels in the normal course of business, when permitted by our contract. However, the implementation of the new classifications was not intended to serve as a basis for altering or modifying employees’ existing job duties, responsibilities, or skill levels.

Here’s what you should know about the Reclassification Review process:

Q. What is the current “Classification Review” [9.23-9.29] and how does it differ from the review process we have been using since May 9?

Because employees were not actually occupying the new classification assignments until Oct. 1, 2025, the language in 9.23 did not apply, giving them the right to receive a response in 180 days or the right to officially appeal campus HR decisions.

Q. What is the timeline to file an appeal?

Employees who believe that they were not properly classified as part of the reclassification mapping process may request a position classification review between Oct. 1, 2025 through Jan. 16, 2026.

Q. What is the timeline for the Employer to respond?

The University needs to make a decision within 180 days (Article 9.26) following an appeal.

Q. Can I appeal this decision?

Yes, you may appeal within 30 days. (Article 9.27)

The person who made the initial decision should not be the person who reviews and decides on the appeal (Article 9.28)

Q. If my appeal is granted, do I serve a new probationary period?

Our Union position is that workers who are successful in their appeal to be placed in a different classification should qualify to have the change take effect October 1 (retroactive). Our negotiated agreement with the Employer includes language that states workers go into the new classification with their existing seniority and probationary status.

Q. I heard a reclassification may result in a lower salary. Why would that happen?

Due to employees moving to the next step above their current salary, there could be scenarios in which the next step in the initial classification they were put in equates to a higher amount than the next step in a classification they’re put after their appeal.

Example: If I currently make $6,000 a month and the next step above me is $6,300 a month (Step 14), but I appeal using the article 9 language, it’s possible that the next highest step in the new classification is $6200 a month (Step 3), which would be a lower monthly salary.

This may be a temporary pay reduction. For those who plan to work at the CSU for many more years, it is generally more advantageous to be placed on a higher grade because over time, there are more steps to progress through to increase their pay.

Q. How do I start a job classification review?

Contact your campus HR or certified Steward.

Bargaining Update: We Stand Firm for Full Steps

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:17:48 GMT

CSUEU Bargaining Team met again with CSU for “re-opener” bargaining on Oct. 30.

Management conceded that there is no obstacle to using the loan money for ongoing raises. They simply do not want to use the funds provided by the state in this manner.
The employer is trying to throw money at us to get us to shut up – we are not taking the bait. We are going to stand strong and turn up the heat on them until we get a proposal that addresses the issue of pay equity and full steps implementation.

Our Bargaining Team is united that management's proposal for a one-time 3% bonus is insufficient. We deserve more.

Under Worker Pressure, CSU Chancellor Agrees to Accept State Loan for Employee Compensation

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:27:54 GMT

After CSUEU members made it clear that we would not come to the table for reopener bargaining unless the CSU accepted a state loan to help struggling workers, Chancellor Mildred García made the right call this week to accept a zero-interest state loan of $144 million for one-time employee compensation.

Ever since the state budget was approved in July, CSUEU and other labor groups have pressured CSU leadership to take the state loan, a win-win given that the funding to repay it is promised in next year’s budget.

Our Bargaining Team is scheduled to meet with management to negotiate the details of the compensation, which will apply to all CSU employee groups.

Our work is not over. With new money on the table, we have to push management hard to get what we deserve. Were you disappointed with your raise in October? Now is your chance to do something about it. Take action with your co-workers.

Sign up to be a Contract Action Team (CAT) member. CATs will lead campus-based actions as we head into bargaining to apply strategic pressure and win the compensation we were promised.

More information regarding the loan and Steps in this FAQ.

Make no mistake: We won this through our collective advocacy with state legislators, who recognize the value of the CSU and our contributions to it. You can help build our political power! Join our Union today!

Salary Steps Update: Taking the Fight to the Bargaining Table

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:12:47 GMT

This year, CSUEU members marched in lockstep to pressure the state to fully fund the CSU in the 2025-26 budget. With thousands of emails and in-person advocacy at the state Capitol, we beat back the initial and devastating 7.95% proposed cut in January to 3% in May to 0% (ZERO!) in the final budget.

The Legislature had our backs by offering a novel funding option to the CSU: A zero percent interest loan to ensure the Chancellor's Office would keep their contractual promises to Staff and provide the needed salary reform after 26 years of a failing open range system.

Every member should be extremely proud of the work we did together to ensure that the Legislature kept their promise and fund the University, which makes CSU’s decision to deny full implementation of Steps even more infuriating.

Now we are taking our fight directly to the bargaining table. Join our Union NOW!

Read Steps FAQ

Our Union informed the CSU this week (Sept. 23) we are willing to return to the table to negotiate for full implementation of Salary Steps, including discussing any potential measure that could be helpful to Staff when partial Steps implementation takes effect on Oct. 1.

Our agreement is conditional: We demand that the CSU accept the state loan and use the funds to bring relief to workers through full Steps or a one-time wage increase.

What’s Next

The strength of our solidarity will determine our ability to move the employer. Steps we can take:

Become a founding member for your Contract Action Team to organize campus support during negotiations.
If your name is not on it, sign the Steps petition now to demand full steps. Remember: No one is coming to save us, but us.
Grow our political power through our Political Activities Committee.

FAQ: What Is Happening with Steps?

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:55:30 GMT

UPDATED 10.16.2025

Why did the state offer the $144 million zero-interest loan to the CSU?

The 2025-26 Budget Act included a $144 million funding deferral to the CSU. To help the University close the one-year funding gap, the Legislature offered the CSU a loan - the same amount as the deferred funding - with zero cost to the CSU. The University can pay off the loan next July, using the deferred funding the state already committed to.

Who is eligible for the extra pay?
According to the CSU, all employee groups such as CSUEU, Teamsters, and other represented employees.

Does this one-time bonus replace our getting full Steps?
NO! We are back at the table to negotiate the partial Steps implementation which took effect Oct. 1. The fight for full Steps will be central to our negotiations for a new full contract in 2026. Join the Contract Action Team to help prepare for campus actions.

What is happening with Steps?
CSUEU informed the CSU Our Union informed the CSU on Sept. 23 we are willing to return to the table to negotiate for full implementation of Salary Steps, including discussing any potential measure that could be helpful to Staff when partial Steps implementation takes effect on Oct. 1. Our agreement is conditional: We demand that the CSU accept the state loan and use the funds to bring relief to workers through full Steps or a one-time wage increase.

When is the contract re-opener and what is likely to happen?
We are discussing with the CSU about the terms of the meeting. Like any negotiations, what the CSU is ultimately willing to agree to depends entirely on our collective power. Are you a member? Can you talk to co-workers who are not yet members?

What is happening on Oct. 1?
The CSU is implementing a new salary structure, moving from open range structures (where salary ranges contain only a minimum and maximum salary amount) to a Steps structure which includes guaranteed steps within a salary grade. We won this in our 2023 contract because Steps help workers reach pay equity while providing predictable wage increases year-to-year.

What is the difference between partial and full steps implementation?
“Partial” implementation is everyone moves to the immediate next step above their current salary.
“Full” implementation is everyone immediately moves to the actual step they should be on based on length of time spent in current classification (as of Oct. 1, 2025), or the next step, whichever is higher.

Which version is the CSU implementing on Oct. 1?
The CSU is moving ahead with partial implementation of Steps on Oct. 1. That’s what the technical letter they sent out was about. They’re contractually required to do this regardless of what else we bargain.

What is the dispute between us and the CSU?
Our contract says that if the Compact (state budget commitment to CSU) is fully funded, full implementation is supposed to happen automatically. If not, then we and the CSU are supposed to enter into a contract “re-opener” (contract negotiations over just one specific topic, in this case Salary Steps) to bargain over what should happen.

The CSU maintains that the funding level for automatic implementation of full steps has not been met. We disagree. However, without a direct state mandate, we’re considering entering into re-opener negotiations so we can make progress on the substance of this matter – fair pay and salary equity – and not the technicalities.

Is our fight for full Steps over?
NO! We keep fighting til we win. Our contract expires June 30, 2026, and our Bargaining Team will meet with the employer to negotiate over the entire contract. Locking full Steps into our contract will be our No. 1 bargaining priority.

We have time to organize, escalate, and become strike-ready for maximum leverage! But to do that, we’ll need a strong Contract Action Team (CAT) to mobilize our entire membership.

We plan to hold a bargaining summit early next year for members who are ready to roll up their sleeves and do the hard work to win. More info to come!

What about IRPs? Should I be filing one?
Our Union position is that IRPs are back, because the CSU invoked the reopener. CSU disputes this. That said, IRPs are deeply flawed, they are functionally discretionary for management. We want guaranteed money, not discretionary money! When we negotiate as a united group, we do better for all of us; when we negotiate alone (IRP), we are much weaker. So, to answer the question: It is up to you whether to file an IRP, but, be aware that management may reject it, and even if they accept it for processing, it’ll probably be denied. CSUEU members are much better off fighting for a piece of the loan money.

A Message from Union President Hutchinson on Steps

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:49:34 GMT

Steps FAQ

I’m writing to share an important update about our battle for salary reform at the CSU. University leadership refuses to budge and do right by Staff.

On Oct. 1, Management will up the ante. They will implement the contractual process that was agreed if full funding wasn’t reached. The CSU will implement a new Salary Step structure. There will be 11 new step structures ranging from 6-12 salary grades consisting of 20 salary steps. CSUEU members will be placed on the next salary step above their current pay, except those already at the top of the scale.

This implementation is a direct challenge to CSUEU and our members. They are assuming that our members will accept the implementation and stop demanding full steps.
We believe we are right and CSU is wrong. We believe the Legislature fulfilled the Compact and the CSU should honor its commitment for full Steps for Staff.

To make sure the CSU is not confused about our position, our petition demanding full steps still stands! If you haven’t signed it, I urge you to join more than 5,000 of your co-workers who have. We will submit it to CSU management next month.

Let me put the next statement in bold: We intend to fight like never before to win full steps and we will mobilize all resources to make it happen - up to and including a full strike. We may have to go back to the table in reopener bargaining as part of that process. If we do, I will keep you informed and I ask that you support our bargaining team in their work.

For now, what can you do to strengthen our position to win? Two things: Sign the petition and help grow our political power.

>> More info: Steps FAQ