CSU Proposes Benefits Take-Aways
Teamsters Say ‘Hell No!’
Our Teamsters Bargaining Team for CSU Skilled Trades workers met with management Feb. 4 & 5. While continuing to refuse to agree to our proposal to bring back steps or proposing fair pay for our members, management proposed significant cuts to healthcare, pension, and other benefits. They claimed that the money CSU would save on benefits could go to pay increases but offered no proposal on wages whatsoever. Making matters worse, management threatened to raise student tuition.
“CSU is sitting on almost $2 billion in surpluses from excess tuition and salary savings, yet they want to shake down workers and students,” said Jason Rabinowitz, Teamsters 2010 Secretary-Treasurer. “CSU should be serving the public by creating good jobs in our communities and offering affordable education for working-class kids. Teamsters say ‘Hell No’ to benefit cuts and tuition hikes!”
CSU’s proposed take-aways on pension contributions:
2021: For CalPERS Classic members (CalPERS members prior to January 1, 2013), increase employee contribution by 1% for a total of 6%.
2022: Increase CalPERS Classic member contribution up to that which PEPRA CalPERS members contribute, up to a maximum of 8%. Currently, this would be roughly 1.25% for most workers, for a total of 7.25%.
CSU’s proposed take-aways on healthcare premiums:
• | CSU proposed only paying 80% of the average premiums for both employee and dependent coverage plans and taking away the monthly supplement. |
• | Currently, CSU pays 100% of the average premiums for single employee coverage and 90% of the average premiums for plans that cover dependents, plus a monthly supplement specified in our contract. |
On top of all this, management proposed cutting their contribution toward dental and vision care from 100% of the monthly premium to 80%.
“CSU claims they’re trying to find savings to fund step raises,” said Bargaining Team member Cal Mason, a Lead Electrician at CSU San Diego.
“It’s outrageous because that’s not a raise when you take money out of our pockets somewhere else.”
“CSU is sitting on almost $2 billion in surpluses from excess tuition and salary savings, yet they want to shake down workers and students. CSU should be serving the public by creating good jobs in our communities and offering affordable education for working-class kids. Teamsters say ‘Hell No’ to benefit cuts and tuition hikes!”
Jason Rabinowitz, Secretary-Treasurer Teamsters 2010