CSU Faculty Union Calls Strike for All 23 Campuses in Cal State System

At the Long Beach Press-Telegram, "California State University faculty vote to authorize strike."

LONG BEACH — California State University faculty have voted to authorize a two-day strike at all 23 campuses, which would be the largest such walkout in state history, if contract talks fail.

The California Faculty Association, which represents professors, librarians, counselors and other staff, announced the strike vote Wednesday at a noon press conference at Cal State Long Beach. The authorization was overwhelmingly approved by 95 percent of those who participated in a two-week voting process that ended on April 27.

About 70 percent of the 12,501 union members voted, according to CFA officials. The CFA represents more than 24,000 employees, but not all are union members.

The decision followed 22 months of unsuccessful contract negotiations.

"The message to Chancellor (Charles) Reed is absolutely clear: The CSU faculty have run out of patience and it is time to address the issues before us so that our faculty can get back to the business of providing quality higher education to the students of California," said CFA President Lillian Taiz.

The rolling strike would affect all 23 California State University campuses this fall. Under the plan, campuses would go on strike for two days each, one immediately following another.

It's going to be a circus at some of these campuses, with faculty unions going all "Occupy" on the Cal State administration. Recall I covered the one-day strike at CSU Dominguez Hills last year: "'Down With Capitalist Education!' — California Faculty Association Strikes at Cal State Dominguez Hills."

MORE at The Fresno Bee, "CSU faculty members agree to strike authorization."