Skilled-trade workers across the California State University system will strike beginning Tuesday. The four day strike comes after failed negotiations between the Teamsters Local 2010 union and the CSU regarding contractual step raises. 

Classes will still be held and student services will continue operations, according to Chico State’s Public Relations Director Andrew Staples. But, he noted that some maintenance work around campus may not be addressed as quickly, such as plumbing. 

Teamsters Local 2010 comprises approximately 1,100 skilled-trade workers throughout the CSU; plumbers, electricians and carpenters are among the workers who will be striking from Tuesday through Friday. 

Picketers will be at Éstom Jámani Dining Center, Meriam Library, Student Services Center and at the off-site shipping and receiving center, said Ernest Jannett, a union steward for Teamsters. 

“Lights go out, breakers go bad, those issues won’t go addressed during the strike,” he said. “As it exists right now, you might not have heat, and any plumbing issues that arise won’t be solved without outside contractors.”

An impasse at the bargaining table

In 2024, Teamsters and the CSU signed a contract in which the CSU would provide step salary increases beginning in July. However, Jannett said that when the time came for the raises — it wasn’t there. 

Jannett is a senior building service engineer at the boiler chiller plant at Chico State. He recently became the union steward at the university after an election on Jan. 4. 

“The cost of living increased and it (step raises) pretty much was to reward our loyalty and longevity on campus — but they denied it,” Jannett said. The workers on strike won’t receive pay for the four days on strike, something that he says will hurt. But, in his eyes, costs of living continues to rise and salaries aren’t keeping pace. 

The CSU withheld the step progression because of a contingency clause in the contract, allowing for the CSU to not follow through if the state didn’t fully fund the system, said the Director of Media Relations and Public Affairs for the Office of the Chancellor, Amy Bentley-Smith.

But Aimee Baror, communication director for Teamsters, says the union has a different interpretation of the clause, arguing that the CSU is exploiting a loophole in the contract. 

“CSU is exploiting a technicality that a tiny percentage of the funding was deferred. The deferred funding was covered by a zero interest loan from the state,” she said. “The CSU has exploited this loophole every chance they get while sitting on billions of dollars in reserves, increasing student tuition 6% for five years and giving hefty raises to already overpaid presidents and executives.”

This loophole might soon be closed. On Tuesday, Assemblymember Liz Ortega introduced AB-1818. The proposed bill would revise language in the state labor law that currently allows for the CSU to reopen negotiations on terms of wages if state funding changes. In the revised bill, the CSU would be required to honor those contracts, despite changes in state funding. 

But that bill hasn’t passed, and negotiations have continued to fail. A Thursday press release from Teamsters stated that the CSU received the funding necessary for the step raises in last year’s budget. The press release also noted the governor’s proposed budget would increase funding to the CSU by 5%, making the argument there is enough money to pay for the step increases. 

The press release also attacks something Jannett shared frustration with. “While the CSU claims it cannot afford the promised raises for workers, it has handed out lavish pay hikes to campus presidents and administrative executives,” the release stated.  

In December, a vote amongst the Teamsters was held across the CSU system, of those who voted, 96% approved to strike, said Union Representative Jose Fuentes. 

Repeating history

This won’t be the first time the Teamsters went on strike following a breakdown in contract negotiations over step raises. In November 2023, the Teamsters and the CSU Employee Union held a one-day strike after negotiations failed, Fuentes said. 

The CSUEU also negotiated step salary increases, however it was rescinded using the same clause that allowed for the CSU to not give step raises to the Teamsters. The CSUEU’s contract doesn’t expire until June 30, according to a news release from the union. In the meantime, the union “has already begun on preparing for and building the power necessary to successfully strike and win our demands,” the release stated.  

Last October, CSUEU’s bargaining team met with the CSU to negotiate step raises. The CSU offered was a bonus instead.

“Our bargaining team is united that management’s proposal for a one-time 3% bonus is insufficient,” a news release stated. “We deserve more.”

Jannett said that he wasn’t surprised that Teamsters negotiations had failed again. “Every year at contract, they drag it out,” he said. A sentiment that other unions have voiced frustrations with. 

The California Faculty Association, representing 29,000 members throughout the CSU system, is encouraging members to sign a pledge card in solidarity with striking workers. 

“For nearly three decades, CSU management denied step increases to CSU workers and were the only California state employer that did not provide these salary steps for their employees,” a news release from the CFA stated. “This has impacted all CSU unions, including members from Teamsters and CFA.” 

Administrators on Chico State’s campus aren’t involved with negotiations between the CSU and unions. However, Staples said that the university is “incredibly supportive of all Teamsters employees,” and their “right to advocate for their rights.” 

For Jannett, however, those words rang hollow, wanting to see support for the contract. 

“We know it’s been funded. We know it can be funded,” he said. “When you have your lunch break or free time throughout the day, please come join us on our strike line.”

Chris Hutton can be reached at [email protected].