Join us for this virtual two-part workshop series, beginning on 10/12 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM and ending on 10/19 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM (flyer below). You can register here: https://forms.office.com/r/nxEgguRtQu.
Last week’s practice picket: A message from the Chapter President
Anthony Ratcliff
I wanted to share a brief update with you about the Strike Ready Rally + Practice Picket held at Cal State LA this past Wednesday. The atmosphere was hot and electric, literally and figuratively, as we brought Hot Labor Summer (in Fall) to campus.
Hundreds of union members from CFA-LA, CSUEU 311, Teamsters 2010, UAW 4123, and students from SQE assembled to demand fair compensation, improved working conditions, and quality education. The turnout and show of solidarity on display were truly amazing as the large crowd chanted, “ain’t no power like the power of the union cuz the power of the union don’t stop!” among other exuberant chants. Impassioned speakers from each faculty and staff union told CSU management that they must take our demands seriously, or face further collective action.
This event marked a significant escalation in our contract campaign, as it was the first union rally and picket line held on campus since CFA’s Fight for 5% campaign in 2016. At that time, we were only weeks from a major faculty strike of the 23 CSU campuses that was narrowly averted after management agreed to 10% raises in the first year alone! Scenes from this week’s rally like the ones above illustrate that we once again must be “Strike Ready” to win a fair contract.
Being "Strike Ready" doesn't mean a strike is inevitable. It simply signifies that we are preparing ourselves if it becomes necessary to take that action due to management’s continued intransigence. I understand that for some of us the idea of going on strike can be overwhelming and uncertain. But please remember that striking is a last resort taken only after all other negotiated options have been exhausted. Our goal here is to win a fair contract; striking is merely the strongest tactic that we have to do so.
What’s next?
General Membership Town Hall - 10/25 from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM on campus. In-person location to be determined, with a virtual option. We will have contract updates, including the Strike Authorization Vote. Register here.
Strike Authorization Vote - 10/21 at 12:00 PM to 10/27 at 5:00 PM. Voting is only for CFA members and will be done electronically. If you are not a CFA member, join today: https://www.calfac.org/join-CFA/
