Chico State trades workers picketed today as part of a one-day strike across 22 California State University campuses.
More than 1,000 CSU workers, including electricians, plumbers and mechanics were part of today’s effort.
The workers’ union argues the strike comes after months of what it says are unfair labor practices from the CSU, and a lack of well-intentioned bargaining with union representatives.
Early this morning, Chico State union members stood together in the cold air at every campus entrance. They all held signs arguing the CSU’s mistreatment of trade workers.
“The CSU doesn’t want to bargain in good faith,” Rocio Richards, Chico State union representative said. She echoed the statements made by other union members who called CSU contract proposals insulting and unfair.
The union workers continued to chant behind her — either CSU leadership agree to contracts for workers, or face a workplace shutdown.
Richards said nearly 50 workers were protesting across Chico State’s campus.
Many members said they were worried about potential retaliation from employers. Nearly all said they deserved better wages and working conditions, and that they’d stand by their fellow union members on strike throughout the state.
