More than 1,000 skilled trade workers for the California State University system began a strike today to protest what they called “CSU’s refusal to honor contractually promised raises and step increases for its workers.”
The members of Teamsters Local 2010 include plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, locksmiths and other building maintenance staff, and plan to strike at 22 campuses statewide, union officials said Tuesday.
“Any disruptions to campus operations will be a direct result of CSU’s refusal to pay contractually promised raise,” Teamsters officials said.
Also Tuesday, Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien was scheduled to be joined by California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis for a rally at San Francisco State University to kick off the union’s statewide unfair labor practice strike
CSU officials said they are bargaining in good faith and “remain committed to continuing negotiations in an effort to reach a mutuallyacceptable agreement.”
“While we hoped a strike could be avoided, we respect employees’ rights under the law,” they said in a statement. “Our campuses will remain open, and classes will continue as scheduled during any strike activity. At this time, we do not anticipate disruptions to student services.”