FAQ: What to Know About Classification Review

UPDATE: Final Classification Review for Employees - November 2025

As part of CSUEU's negotiated agreement with the CSU in 2023 to prepare for a transition to a new Salary Steps structure, the University conducted a systemwide job classification review resulting in more than 4,000 employees being placed in a different classification. 

Since April, workers had the opportunity to request a re-assessment if they had information that could change their new classification. However, employees did not actually occupy the new classification assignments until Oct. 1, 2025. 

Our CSUEU Bargaining Team finalized negotiations with the Employer in November for workers to use the appeal language in our Contract [Article 9.27-9.28] to request an official classification re-assessment.  

Note: The CSU retains the right to modify employees’ job duties, responsibilities, or skill levels in the normal course of business, when permitted by our contract. However, the implementation of the new classifications was not intended to serve as a basis for altering or modifying employees’ existing job duties, responsibilities, or skill levels. 

Here’s what you should know about the Reclassification Review process: 

Q. What is the current “Classification Review” [9.23-9.29] and how does it differ from the review process we have been using since May 9? 

Because employees were not actually occupying the new classification assignments until Oct. 1, 2025, the language in 9.23 did not apply, giving them the right to receive a response in 180 days or the right to officially appeal campus HR decisions. 

Q. What is the timeline to file an appeal? 

Employees who believe that they were not properly classified as part of the reclassification mapping process may request a position classification review between Oct. 1, 2025 through Jan. 16, 2026. 

Q. What is the timeline for the Employer to respond? 

The University needs to make a decision within 180 days (Article 9.26) following an appeal. 

Q. Can I appeal this decision? 

Yes, you may appeal within 30 days. (Article 9.27) 

The person who made the initial decision should not be the person who reviews and decides on the appeal (Article 9.28) 

Q. If my appeal is granted, do I serve a new probationary period? 

Our Union position is that workers who are successful in their appeal to be placed in a different classification should qualify to have the change take effect October 1 (retroactive). Our negotiated agreement with the Employer includes language that states workers go into the new classification with their existing seniority and probationary status. 

Q. I heard a reclassification may result in a lower salary. Why would that happen?  

Due to employees moving to the next step above their current salary, there could be scenarios in which the next step in the initial classification they were put in equates to a higher amount than the next step in a classification they’re put after their appeal. 

Example: If I currently make $6,000 a month and the next step above me is $6,300 a month (Step 14), but I appeal using the article 9 language, it’s possible that the next highest step in the new classification is $6200 a month (Step 3), which would be a lower monthly salary. 

This may be a temporary pay reduction. For those who plan to work at the CSU for many more years, it is generally more advantageous to be placed on a higher grade because over time, there are more steps to progress through to increase their pay. 

Q. How do I start a job classification review? 

Contact your campus HR or certified Steward.