Open leadership and representation
Give all members the right to vote for statewide officers and on future bylaws amendments, while creating a regional governance structure that includes leaders from every bargaining unit represented by CSUEU.
Our Voice, Our Union Bylaws
Our voice. Our union. Vote yes.
We are 36,000 workers strong. It is time for bylaws that provide regular membership and full voting rights to any new units that join CSUEU.
36K
Workers are building power together at the CSU
Why our union must change
Our union has grown. Our bylaws and governance structure must grow with it.
Our last Staff contract covered 15,000 workers. Since then, more than 20,000 Student Assistants and 1,200 campus nonprofit workers have joined CSUEU.
These new members aren't included in the governance structure established by the current CSUEU bylaws. Given that all CSUEU members are in the midst of negotiating contracts, it is important that we update our bylaws now so our governance structure reflects the union we are today, explicitly including newly organized units and expanding direct member participation in union decision-making.
The new Our Voice, Our Union Bylaws put us on a path to become a Union for All that is ready to negotiate contracts with the best wages and life improvements.
What the new bylaws do
More voice. More participation. More power.
Representation across the union
Establish five geographic regions and regional representation based on active sectors, ensuring members from every bargaining unit have a pathway to leadership and a voice in statewide decision-making.
Direct votes on dues increases
Require member approval for any increase in union dues.
Equal strike voting rights
Ensure members in newly organized units can vote on whether to authorize a strike, just as members in existing bargaining units can.
Plain-language comparison
What changes for members?
| Current bylaws | Proposed bylaws |
|---|---|
| RepresentationNew bargaining units do not have a full pathway into statewide governance, and statewide officers are elected by Board members rather than the full membership. | RepresentationA regional structure includes every bargaining unit, and officer and bylaws elections open voting to all members, not just Board members. |
| Dues decisionsDues increases can be approved by elected officers. | Dues decisionsMembers vote directly on any dues increase. |
| BudgetsThe Board can amend the budget line by line before adoption. Campus chapter bank accounts operate outside a centralized statewide budget structure. | BudgetsCSUEU operates under a centralized statewide budget. The Board approves or rejects the budget, and all dues money is subject to the same financial oversight structure. |
| RegionsGovernance is organized primarily through campus-based representation. |
Regions
Members elect Regional Council Representatives based on both geography and sector, ensuring representation from across the union.
Five regions:
|
| SectorsThe bylaws focus on Bargaining Units 2, 5, 7, and 9. | SectorsThe bylaws establish sectors that include Units 2, 5, 7, and 9, Unit 15, Auxiliary Organizations, and future represented groups. |
| Negotiation teamsThe current bylaws do not outline how negotiation teams are composed or how members are selected. | Negotiation teamsMembers elect negotiation teams for each bargaining unit, with regional representation requirements. |
| Campus leadershipChapter Presidents serve as campus leaders and automatically sit on the Board of Directors. | Chapter leadershipMembers elect Chief Stewards and Associate Chief Stewards to lead Campus Councils. Campus leaders continue to coordinate organizing, communication, and representation locally. |
| Executive officersPresident, Vice President for Organizing, Vice President for Finance, and Vice President for Representation. | Executive officersPresident, Secretary/Treasurer, and Executive Vice President for Representation. |
Built through member participation
Written to build a union for all.
The Our Voice, Our Union Bylaws are the product of regional summits and hundreds of conversations over the past year. Members discussed how to create a union where every worker can fully participate.
The proposal is the next step toward a stronger, more united CSUEU and updates our governing bylaws to include both public- and private-sector workers.
Get ready to vote in July
Voting period
June 30-July 4, 2026
Who can vote
All represented employees of Unit 2579, Unit 15 and Campus Auxiliary Workers
How ballots arrive
Via email and text
Need help?
csueu@electionbuddy.com
Read the documents
Review the proposal before you vote.
Proposed bylaws
Read the complete Our Voice, Our Union Bylaws and review the governing language.
View proposed bylawsCurrent bylaws
Read current bylaws
Frequently asked questions
What members should know.
Why is CSUEU proposing new bylaws now?
Our union has grown significantly in the last two years, adding two new units - 20,000 Student Assistants and 1,200 Campus Auxiliary workers - that more than double our membership. However, these new members aren't included in the governance structure established by the current CSUEU bylaws.
Given that all CSUEU members are in the midst of negotiating contracts, it is important that we update our bylaws now so our governance structure reflects the union we are today, explicitly including newly organized units and expanding direct member participation in union decision-making.
Will members get more say in union decisions?
Yes. The proposed bylaws expand participation across bargaining units, give members a direct vote on dues increases, and enable all members to vote for officers instead of limiting voting to Board members.
What does the regional structure do?
It establishes a new regional structure that includes leaders from all of our union's bargaining units under one governance structure.
Regional Council Representatives (up to 25, depending on the membership composition of each region) are elected by the membership. Each region will elect one Representative for each active sector within the region to serve on the CSUEU Board of Directors.
Members should review the complete proposed bylaws for the governing details.
Do the bylaws automatically increase dues or call a strike?
No. The proposal gives members a vote on dues increases, and members will still vote on whether to strike. Approving the bylaws is not a vote to increase dues or authorize a strike.
Why does legal compliance matter?
CSUEU now includes both public- and private-sector workers. The proposal updates our governing structure to reflect the union we have become. Members can review the complete legal and governance language in the proposed bylaws.
When and how will I vote?
The voting period will be June 30-July 4, 2026. All workers at CSU represented by CSUEU - Staff, Student Assistants, and Campus Auxiliary workers - are eligible to vote. You do not have to be a dues-paying member of the union to vote.
Does signing the pledge cast my ballot?
No. A pledge shows your support for the new bylaws and helps build the campaign. You must still submit your official ballot during the June 30-July 4, 2026 voting period to be counted.
Take a stand
Pledge to vote yes.
Add your name to the members building a more democratic, inclusive, and powerful union for all.
A pledge is not an official ballot. Every eligible member must vote through the official election process.