Student Assistant Bargaining Recap
We are still waiting on proposals from management on the issues that matter most, wages and benefits.
Management did not come to the table with any new responses to our outstanding proposals for raises and sick time.
Here is a table that summarizes some of the outstanding issues at bargaining:
| Issue | Our Proposal | Employer Proposal |
|---|---|---|
| Sick Time | 1 hour for 20 hours worked | 1 hour for 30 hours worked |
| Parking | Same discount as staff | No discount |
| Bereavement Leave | 5 days | 2 days + 1 optional for travel |
| Wages | $21/hr minimum / 7% raise | State Minimum ($16.90) |
| Summer Employment | 40 hour/week cap | 20 hour/week cap |
| Overtime Pay | Over 8 hours in one day | Never |
| Holidays | Get paid for when campus is closed + 1.5x pay for holidays worked | 1.5x pay for holidays worked |
| Discipline | Paid investigatory leave | Unpaid leave |
Management reiterated why they are against letting student assistants work 40 hours a week during the summer while taking clases. According to them, the coursework would be too great for us to handle in addition to our jobs. This type of paternalism, where the CSU management thinks that they are our parents and know what's best for us, perfectly captures the importance of our fight.
We are fighting for the respect we deserve. Our demands would cost the employer very little, but for us these proposals would be life changing.
“I was disgusted by the disrespect from the management negotiating team. Rather than listen to our needs as the workforce that keeps campuses running, they lectured us about responsibility, insinuated we are unable to make choices about our workloads, and acted as if we are ungrateful children.”
The most effective way student assistants can join this fight and win what we deserve is by becoming a union member. Membership is not automatic, if you wish to be a part of the movement for better jobs on campus, sign up today.