CSUEU Steps Implementation
CSUEU Steps Implementation
In fiscal year 2023/2024, the CSU reached an agreement with CSUEU to convert our compensation structure from open ranges to steps.
Essential elements of the new step structure:
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Each salary range on the step structure can have up to twenty (20) steps at 2% intervals.
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The CSU created structures where similar jobs are grouped together and organized by grades depending on the compensation level for each classification.
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The step structures are shared with all twenty-two (22) campuses and the Chancellor's Office.
Quick links:
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Contact – Classification and Compensation – compclass@cpp.edu
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Salary Schedule – Please note, this will be updated with step rates in October
New Salary Structure
Effective October 1, 2025, the CSU will transition CSUEU-represented employees to a new salary step structure. Employees will be placed either Salary Placement step:
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Placement Step: The highest step closest to an employee’s current base salary.
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Employees whose current base salary is above the top step of their classification will have their current rate maintained (red-circled).
New Classification Mapping
As part of the transition into the Step Structure, new classifications* have been introduced to more accurately reflect the scope of employees’ roles for certain jobs.
If a position was mapped into a new classification, it has no effect or change to current job responsibilities; rather, it is simply an assignment to the appropriate new classification within the new Salary Step Structure.
*Note: Existing CSUEU classification standards remain in effect until October 1, 2025.
FAQs
Effective October 1, 2025, the CSU will transition CSUEU employees to a new salary step structure as outlined in the contract. Employees will be placed on a step corresponding to the highest of the following:
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The closest (higher) salary step to their current salary.
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The current pay rate if their current salary is higher than the top step of their classification.
The negotiated agreement between CSU and CSUEU stated placement on target step was contingent upon the State of California providing at least $227 million in new, unallocated, ongoing General Fund support to the CSU. As the 2025 Budget Act does not meet that funding threshold, employees are being placed on the closest (higher) salary step to their current salary as required by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
The concept of GSIs will no longer exist for CSUEU upon step implementation. Going forward, employees may receive either Salary Structure Adjustments (SSAs) – when all steps are adjusted, or a Step Progression – when the employee moves to another step. The type of increase an employee receives will depend on what is negotiated in future contracts.
No. Step progression will need to be negotiated in every contract.
As part of the CSUEU steps implementation process, the CSU and CSUEU agreed to create new classification standards for certain jobs to better reflect the nature of duties performed. After an evaluation of your current position description, it was determined the preponderance of duties better aligns with one of the newly created classifications.
The mapping process has concluded and requests for reassessment will not be considered. The mapping decisions are now final and will be in effect October 1, 2025
All employees were notified on May 9, 2025, whether they were mapped to a new classification or were remaining in their current classification. All other employees received an email that their classification was not changing on June 30, 2025. Please contact Classification and Compensation and we will send a copy of the communication.
IN-RANGE PROGRESSIONS (IRP) AND IN-CLASS PROGRESSIONS (ICP)
The reclassification provision was not changed; however, no In-Range Progressions (IRP) request shall be accepted after December 31, 2024 and In-Range Progressions (IRP) were eliminated on June 30, 2025.
NEW CSUEU CLASSIFICATIONS
The new classifications will go into effect with the implementation of steps on October 1, 2025.
The employee’s job will not change, nor will the duties outlined in their position description.
No, these reclassifications are a result of the implementation of new classifications. (See 9.21 in the CSUEU contract.)
Employees may be eligible for a salary increase as a result of placement on the new salary step structure on October 1, 2025. Any salary changes would be based on the step rates that correspond to the new classifications.
No, implementation of the new classifications will have no impact on retreat or reclassification rights compared to the previous classification.
No, implementation of the new classifications will have no impact on employee health and welfare benefits or service years.
No, the new classifications are not intended to affect workload expectations or task distribution for staff; however, they may change in the normal course of business as allowed for by the CBA.
No, reporting hierarchy or team structure within departments are not meant to change because of implementing the new classifications; however, please note that hierarchies or team structures may change in the normal course of business as allowed for by the CBA.
No, all the current IT classifications will be abolished effective October 1, 2025 after transitioning to the new IT classifications.
Yes
RED CIRCLE RATES
When an employee’s salary is higher than the rate of the top step (salary range maximum) for their classification. The amount above the top step is the red-circle rate.
Your total salary will not change, and you will continue to receive your full current pay; however, your salary will be “red circled.” The red circle amount is the difference between your current salary and the top step rate for your classification.
That is subject to negotiations in future contracts.
Per section 20.36 A of the contract, if an employee’s salary is red circled as a result of the initial implementation of the step structure, there is no restriction on the red circle amount, and they may remain red circled for as long as needed (no limit).
The red circle portion of your pay is not reportable to CalPERS and will not be included when calculating retirement benefits. Neither you nor the university will make retirement contributions on the red circle amount which may affect your net monthly income or tax liability. Your final compensation average amount used to determine your CalPERS retirement benefit will not increase. Please contact your campus Benefits office or CalPERS, either through your myCalPERS account at calpers.ca.gov, or by calling CalPERS at (888) 225-7377.