San Diego State faculty members voted Monday on whether they should strike. This is the first time they are taking such action against the California State University system. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis prepared this report.
Most San Diego State faculty members voted during their lunch break. They join professors and staff at 22 other CSU campuses who are casting their ballots over the next two weeks. The California Faculty Association and the university haven't settled on a new contract for two-and-a-half years. The union is asking for a 25 percent increase over the next three years. SDSU union leader Mark Wheeler says faculty members are at their wits end.
Wheeler
It's just pathetic that the administration is pitting itself against the faculty.
Rolling walkouts could take place later this month if members vote to strike. Meanwhile, CSU officials say they're offering a 25 percent pay hike. But union leaders say the increase is tied to state funding. They believe the university has enough money right now to lock-in the raises.
