Across the state, CSU Teamsters are voting to authorize a strike in protest of CSU’s unfair labor practices and refusal to bargain in good faith for the fair contract that we deserve. Meanwhile, the state Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) has granted CSU’s second request to declare an impasse and appointed a mediator to assist the parties in reaching agreement.
Under California labor law, impasse occurs when the employer and the Union have exhausted the good-faith bargaining process, and further negotiations would be futile. Upon certification of impasse, regular bargaining ceases and the parties move to mediation and then fact-finding.
Secretary-Treasurer Rabinowitz opposed impasse because multiple contract articles were still being discussed between the parties, and because the CSU has committed numerous unfair labor practices (ULPs), but welcomed the mediation process.
“This does not change our plans for our strike authorization vote,” Rabinowitz says. “Teamsters will keep fighting against CSU’s unfair practices and demanding the fair contract we deserve. We look forward to a productive mediation and urge the CSU to engage this process in good faith. So far, We know CSU can afford to be fair with workers. They have hoarded billions in reserves on the backs of workers and students. They approved a salary of $1 million per year for the new Chancellor, and are raising student tuition by 34% over the next five years.”
Strike Authorization voting continues through October. Only full Teamsters members may vote; non-members may sign up to become a member at all voting locations. If you are unable to attend the in-person voting session, contact your Union Representative before Oct. 31.