CSU faculty reach tentative contract deal, end strike

Tens of thousands of California State University faculty members are returning to work on Tuesday, ending what their union calls the first systemwide faculty strike at the nation’s largest four-year public university system. The California Faculty Association, the union representing the striking faculty members, confirmed the tentative agreement on Monday, ending the previously planned weeklong strike on the same day it started. The union also staged several one-day walkouts last month, picketing for a 12 percent bump to salaries, more paid parental leave, and “safe gender-inclusive restrooms.”

What does the tentative deal include? Monday’s deal includes a five percent salary increase, with a $3,000 raise to the lowest salary range. The contract also increased paid parental leave from six weeks to 10 weeks. The union also said the contract is “increasing protection for faculty who have dealings with police” by providing for a union representative to be present for police interactions. The tentative deal also allows for improved “access to gender-inclusive restrooms and lactation spaces.”