Fresno State professors and other faculty members are preparing for a week-long strike after unsuccessful negotiations with the California State University (CSU) system. The strike comes as a result of an impasse reached during discussions regarding faculty demands for a 12% salary increase. The CSU argues that such an increase would result in layoffs, while the California Faculty Association claims that university officials have walked away from the bargaining table after offering a 5% raise, which has remained unchanged since November.
Beginning on Monday and lasting through Friday, faculty members at Fresno State, including professors, librarians, and counselors, will join their counterparts from all 23 CSU campuses in the strike. While some students at Fresno State are aware of the impending strike, many are unsure of the exact reasons behind it. Amuldeep Bawa, a biochemistry major, acknowledged the strike but did not anticipate any significant disruptions to his studies. On the other hand, Jesus Gutierrez, a junior studying agricultural business, expressed uncertainty about which professors would be present for classes next week.
The California Faculty Association’s board of directors has decided on a one-week strike to demonstrate the value of faculty to the campus, according to John Beynon, president of the union’s Fresno chapter. Beynon emphasized that the campus would not operate smoothly during the strike week without the faculty’s participation. He also hinted that further actions may be taken if a satisfactory contract agreement is not reached.
In December, the California Faculty Association staged strikes at several campuses, including Pomona, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. Prior to that, faculty at Fresno State held a demonstration during the lunch hour. In response to the impending strike, Fresno State advised students to consult with their respective professors regarding class schedules, as some instructors may continue working.
While the strike is in effect, faculty members are expected to abstain from conducting classes, lab work, research, and office hours. Virtual alternatives for these activities are not permitted. Faculty members are also advised not to enter the Fresno State campus unless they intend to participate in picketing. Student concerns regarding picket lines are alleviated, with the university assuring them that normal campus services will not be disrupted.
In addition to the salary raise, the California Faculty Association has demanded several other improvements, including parental leave for a full semester, increased pay for the lowest-paid faculty members, manageable workloads, mental health counseling for students, lactation rooms, gender-inclusive restrooms, and precautions for faculty who may interact with campus police. While some of these demands may have already been met at Fresno State, the strike will unite faculty members across all CSU campuses.
The university has assured students that services such as residence halls, the student union, library, and dining hall will continue operating normally. Students moving in or already residing on campus should not expect any disruption in these areas.
As the strike unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the faculty’s demands will be met by the California State University system. Until then, the week-long strike by Fresno State faculty, alongside their colleagues at other CSU campuses, is likely to impact the normal operations of these institutions.
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