Cal Poly Strike: A Comprehensive Guide to the Ongoing Labor Action at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

The Cal Poly Strike: An Ongoing Labor Dispute

Since October 17th, 2022, academic and classified staff members at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) have been on strike. The strike is the result of a breakdown in negotiations between the California State University (CSU) system and the California Faculty Association (CFA) and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) union, which represent the striking workers.

The strike has had a significant impact on the university, with classes being canceled and research activities being disrupted. The strike has also drawn attention to the broader issues of faculty and staff compensation, working conditions, and the affordability of higher education.

Key Issues in the Cal Poly Strike

At the heart of the Cal Poly strike are several key issues that have been in dispute between the CSU and the unions representing the striking workers. These issues include:

• Compensation: The unions are seeking salary increases for faculty and staff, arguing that their current salaries are not competitive with those at other universities.
• Working conditions: The unions are also seeking improvements to working conditions, such as increased staffing levels and reduced class sizes.
• Affordability of higher education: The unions are concerned about the rising cost of tuition and fees, and they are seeking measures to make higher education more affordable for students.

Impact of the Cal Poly Strike

The Cal Poly strike has had a significant impact on the university and the surrounding community. The strike has:

• Canceled classes: All classes at Cal Poly have been canceled since the strike began.
• Disrupted research activities: Research activities have been disrupted, as faculty members who are on strike are unable to access their labs or conduct research.
• Drawn attention to broader issues: The strike has drawn attention to the broader issues of faculty and staff compensation, working conditions, and the affordability of higher education.

Timeline of the Cal Poly Strike

The Cal Poly strike began on October 17, 2022, after negotiations between the CSU and the unions representing the striking workers broke down. The following is a timeline of the key events in the strike:

• October 17, 2022: The strike begins.
• October 20, 2022: The CSU and the unions hold a bargaining session.
• October 21, 2022: The strike continues.
• October 24, 2022: The CSU and the unions hold another bargaining session.
• October 25, 2022: The strike continues.

Strategies for Resolving the Cal Poly Strike

There are several strategies that can be used to resolve the Cal Poly strike. These strategies include:

• Negotiations: The CSU and the unions representing the striking workers can continue to negotiate until a mutually acceptable agreement is reached.
• Mediation: A neutral third party can be brought in to help facilitate negotiations between the CSU and the unions.
• Arbitration: The CSU and the unions can agree to submit their dispute to binding arbitration, in which a neutral third party makes a final decision that is binding on both parties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Resolving the Cal Poly Strike

There are several common mistakes that should be avoided in resolving the Cal Poly strike. These mistakes include:

• Ignoring the concerns of the striking workers: The CSU should not ignore the concerns of the striking workers. The unions representing the striking workers have legitimate concerns about compensation, working conditions, and the affordability of higher education.
• Failing to negotiate in good faith: The CSU and the unions representing the striking workers should negotiate in good faith. Both parties should be willing to make concessions in order to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
• Using threats or intimidation: The CSU should not use threats or intimidation to try to force the striking workers to return to work. This will only prolong the strike and make it more difficult to resolve.