Family Benefits at Heart of Possible CSU Strike

Faculty members at California State University schools have voted to authorize a strike as they seek higher wages and better benefits from their employers. 95% of California Faculty Association members approved the walkout last week.

The union wants a 12% pay increase. It’s also demanding greater support for families — specifically a full semester of parental leave, equivalent to 16 weeks, and more access to lactation rooms.

The union had previously gotten two bills passed to expand its members’ family leave benefits. However, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed both bills. He said the CFA should pursue these aims through collective bargaining. So here we are. 

CSU says it offers generous benefits already.

“The CSU values family and offers faculty an unparalleled benefit of six weeks of fully paid parental leave, available to them upon hire with no waiting period and no cost to the employee. In addition, CSU faculty may access more paid leave time with disability insurance, vacation, and sick leave,” said spokesperson Amy Bentley-Smith.

It looks like CSU will have to offer more than that if it wants to avoid a strike.