Throughout history, faculty members across all education levels nationwide have striked due to their low pay which diminishes and disregards the value that teachers bring to future generations. Teachers are often extremely underpaid, especially considering all the effort they put into education and the development of a child’s critical thinking. And without teachers, who would lead the next generation to success?

In the realm of disrespected and exploited industry workers, teachers are at the very top of the list. It’s a widespread notion that educators are overworked and underpaid. In past discussions, teachers have confessed their concern over often being disregarded and oppressed  as staff in the education system. Even Millikan’s very own teachers have admitted to falling victim to “teacher burnout.”

In efforts to lessen the many stresses of faculty in California, The California State University System (CSU) faculty planned a strike that started and ended on January 22nd. It concluded with a 5% salary increase after just one day of a week-long planned strike, considering that it’s the largest public university school system of the nation. This is the largest recorded education sector strike in history.

The main goals of the strike were much different than what was achieved. They sought to gain a 12% salary increase as well as better working conditions: parental leave, and gender-inclusive bathrooms. 

Over 20,000 professors took part in this strike, including many from California State University of Long Beach (CSULB) striking in the rain on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. Tens of thousands of staff members including members from the California Faculty Association (CFA) planned this out for months.

After the conclusion of the strike, The Millikan Corydon sat down with John Patrick, a professor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (SLO). In the interview, Patrick spoke about how they were offered only 5%, under circumstances that weren’t significantly different from offers from CSU in the past (found here). 

Although these circumstances may not be what was intended, the contract is acceptable for most faculty members, as evidenced by the strike ending after just one day, because even just 5% is better than nothing. 

Patrick comments, “…this raise should finally take my salary to a living wage for a family like mine.” 

With these insured raises (5% now and a possible additional 2.65% in the Fall) Patrick’s salary should become $84,482. He is the only current provider for his entire family of four, including his wife, their child, and his elderly mother. His previous salary of $78,420 did not constitute a living wage for his family in his area (SLO County) therefore, just a little bit of a raise can help him support his family a lot easier.

Along with the increased salary, faculty gained two more weeks of paid parental leave as well as 13 other benefits such as paid leave, gender-inclusive bathrooms, more counselors, etc.

The parental leave and gender-inclusive bathrooms are what they presume should have been a norm, but “if you asked the same people to choose between several thousand dollars more per year or these sort of social justice gains, the vast majority would probably take the money,” says Patrick.

Furthermore, though some faculty are in the middle about whether this wage increase is good or bad, many have different opinions, and it’s hard to rule out whether or not this conclusion is fair.

According to ABC7 News, “Members of the California Faculty Association have voted to approve a new contract agreement with the CSU union officials, announced Monday [Feb. 19]”.

As the largest education sector strike in history, this message is sure to let management know that faculty are, “…tired of being exploited by inadequate pay…”. Learn more about the CSU Faculty Strike and any changes here.