California State University and Faculty Optimistic Settlement Can Be Reached Based on Fact Finder's Report

The fact-finder’s report which becomes public today validates our long-standing position – that CSU faculty are underpaid and that other issues including class size need to be addressed. Further, the fact finder’s report validates that CFA’s bargaining proposals for a new collective bargaining agreement are reasonable.

CFA broadly supports the fact finder’s recommendations and finds them to be a sound basis for the resolution of our contract dispute. We call on the CSU administration to accept them as well.

The fact finder’s recommendations would make meaningful progress toward closing thesalary gap between CSU professors and our peers around the country.

The CSU administration has more than $1.2 billion in unrestricted funds available – meaning the administration has flexibility in how those funds will be used. Knowledge of these funds is provided by Moody’s Investor Services in their report on CSU bonds for potential investors.

Yet, the faculty has received one 3.5% raise since 2002 (given in July 2005), which is less than 1% a year. Meanwhile, the Administration and Board of Trustees have given top executives 23% in raises in just the last two years.

The fact finder’s recommendations may cost the CSU an additional $60 million over the four years of this contract – funds that are available and that will help to retain quality teachers in the classroom.

If the Administration is truly committed to providing students with a quality education, and if it truly cares about the future of the CSU system, it would accept the fact finder’s recommendations and settle this contract dispute.

The faculty group has found support, clearly amongst the Democratic members of the legislature, who by many accounts have been upset with the lack of accountability of executive pay hikes and student fee increases.

CFA member and Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero said, “I am not surprised by the mediator's report and recommendations. “The professors have been saying for 23 months that they deserve to be paid at the same level as their peers. Now that an independent third party has analyzed the situation and set forth her recommendations, it is time for Chancellor Reed to return to the table and negotiate in good faith.”

Senator Alex Padilla added, “The mediator's report validates what the faculty has been saying from day one, which is that they are being underpaid and that they have proposed a reasonable solution. I cannot see a reason why the Administration cannot sit down with the faculty and work out a settlement. Based on this report, I do not think the Administration is in a position to continue haggling with the faculty who are only asking to be paid fairly. I strongly encourage the Chancellor to return to the table, and bring closure to this process without delay.”

Governor Schwarzenegger issued a statement: "I am pleased both sides worked together in good faith to reach a framework for an agreement that prevents a faculty strike and puts the students' needs first."

For the faculty association's summary of the fact finder report and added emphasis of their own, click here.

For the latest position of the CSU administration, click here.