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Students Struggle to Support CSU Strike
Two weeks ago, the California State University (CSU) faculty voted overwhelmingly in support of a strike. Yesterday, after a report called for a 25% pay raise over the next four years, the administration agreed to use it as a “framework” to negotiate – in the hopes of averting the strike. But while faculty prepares in the event that a strike becomes necessary, a student body unaccustomed to social movements remains uncertain of its role.
The CSU system teaches 417,000 students on over 23 campuses with 46,000 faculty, making it the largest university system in the nation.
CSU employees have been working for years without a contract. In addition, CSU faculty are paid 18% less than their peers at similar universities around the country. Meanwhile, CSU administrators have earned salaries increases.
Faculty voted two weeks ago to support a strike with 94 percent of the vote, with the lowest level of support at any one campus at 79 percent. Turnout amongst faculty members was at 81 percent. In addition, 1,300 faculty members joined the union in a great show of support over the duration of the contract negotiations.
As a potential strike date nears—if the ten-day standoff fails to achieve a settlement—students are struggling to understand how they should respond to such a strike. Overall, faculty have been rather quiet about the details of a strike unless they are explicitly asked for information by students.
This lack of information has not helped to build support among students. Within the body of students who are sympathetic to the possibility of a strike, many are unsure how they could best support the cause. Many fear repercussions if they do not attend class, and others still wish to be more proactive – but have no clue as to what they can do.
More
http://www.beyondchron.org/news/index.php?itemid=4338#more
CSU employees have been working for years without a contract. In addition, CSU faculty are paid 18% less than their peers at similar universities around the country. Meanwhile, CSU administrators have earned salaries increases.
Faculty voted two weeks ago to support a strike with 94 percent of the vote, with the lowest level of support at any one campus at 79 percent. Turnout amongst faculty members was at 81 percent. In addition, 1,300 faculty members joined the union in a great show of support over the duration of the contract negotiations.
As a potential strike date nears—if the ten-day standoff fails to achieve a settlement—students are struggling to understand how they should respond to such a strike. Overall, faculty have been rather quiet about the details of a strike unless they are explicitly asked for information by students.
This lack of information has not helped to build support among students. Within the body of students who are sympathetic to the possibility of a strike, many are unsure how they could best support the cause. Many fear repercussions if they do not attend class, and others still wish to be more proactive – but have no clue as to what they can do.
More
http://www.beyondchron.org/news/index.php?itemid=4338#more
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again, as usual
Mon, Mar 26, 2007 8:16AM
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