Update: Teamsters Local 2010 Planned Strike (Feb. 17 – 20)

From: Labor Relations (laborrelations@calstate.edu)
To: All CSU Employees
Subject: Update: Teamsters Local 2010 Planned Strike (Feb. 17 – 20)
Date: 2/10/26

Dear CSU Colleagues,

Teamsters Local 2010, which represents skilled trades employees across the California State University, has announced plans for a strike from February 17 through February 20, 2026.

This labor action stems from a dispute over salary provisions for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Teamsters’ leadership has publicly claimed that the CSU received full state funding for that year and that salary increases provided for in the agreement should therefore be implemented. That claim is incorrect.

Under the parties’ agreement, the salary provisions for 2025–26 were expressly contingent upon the CSU receiving a defined level of new, ongoing state funding—approximately $250 million. Instead, the state budget enacted reduced CSU’s ongoing base by $143.8 million. While the Legislature subsequently provided CSU with a no interest loan in the same amount as the reduction, that funding is not ongoing and must be repaid. Because the loan is not permanent, it cannot be used to support ongoing salary increases. For this reason, the CSU authorized the use of the loan for one-time payments to employees, subject to the collective bargaining process. The contingent salary increases outlined in the Teamsters agreement depended on the receipt of sufficient new, ongoing funding, which the CSU did not receive, even with the loan. As a result, CSU notified the Teamsters of its request for a salary reopener as required by the parties’ agreement.

We remain committed to reaching a resolution and have engaged in the reopener process in good faith. The CSU met with Teamsters Local 2010 to begin those discussions; however, just over one hour into the initial bargaining session—and after only one proposal was exchanged by each side—the union declared impasse and has not returned to the bargaining table. It is concerning that a strike has been called under those circumstances. The CSU remains available to have meaningful discussions with the union. More information, including frequently asked questions about the one-time loan and our labor agreements, is available on the Systemwide Labor & Employee Relations website.

It is also important that our community understands what to expect should a strike occur. The California State University will remain open, and campuses will continue normal operations. We do not anticipate disruptions to classes, student learning, or essential services. CSU campuses remained operational during the Teamsters’ 2023 strike, and we are similarly prepared to ensure continuity this time. Campus leadership, administrators, and university police departments will be present to maintain a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment for all.

Please note the following:

No employee or student should be pressured or intimidated into participating in a strike or taking a position related to it.
Teamsters-represented employees may choose to still report to work even though the union has called for a strike.
Because employees are not paid while on strike, the pay for an employee who strikes for four workdays will be reduced by approximately 18% for that pay period.
While employees have the right to engage in lawful strike activity, striking employees may not permanently block or otherwise obstruct access to campus, campus services, or classrooms and must allow traffic and access to continue.

The CSU’s foremost responsibility is to our students and their success. We know that a shared commitment to students and their success is what brings all of us to the CSU each day, and that commitment continues to guide how our campuses prepare to support students during this period. We are grateful for the professionalism and dedication our employees demonstrate every day in service of that mission.

Thank you for your continued professionalism and your unwavering commitment to the students and communities we serve.

Sincerely,

Frank Hurtarte
Vice Chancellor & Chief Human Resources Officer
California State University