When the coronavirus emerged in early 2020, California State University administration feared the worst financially and asked Unit 6 Teamsters -- who were in active contract negotiations -- to agree to no wage raises for the time being, but that we could reopen the wages article if CSU funding was restored to the 2019/2020 level or higher in the following two years. That did occur and we have had one bargaining session with the CSU on the wage “reopener.”

What does CSU think risking our health and safety and the health and safety of our families in order to keep campuses functioning and classes broadcasting online is worth? On Oct. 28, CSU management responded to our initial proposal with a single 3% raise that would be effective July 1, 2021. Nothing, zip, zilch, nada was offered for 2020.

Lead negotiator Jason Rabinowitz, Teamsters 2010 Secretary-Treasurer, and the rest of our Skilled Trades Bargaining Team made it clear this is unacceptable and we are ready to fight to be made whole!

Please join CSU Skilled Trades workers, the electricians, plumbers, plant workers, mechanics, painters, locksmiths and others who keep our campuses and housing safe and maintained, in telling the CSU that these essential heroes are worth more than ZERO!