The California Faculty Association vocalized its request for a 5 percent salary increase with a demonstration in front of the San Diego State Love Library on Tuesday.
SDSU faculty, staff and students marched around the courtyard outside of the library before heading to President Hirshman’s office, where they left him a letter asking for his support on the pay raise.
Faculty from each of the 23 California State University campuses will vote between Oct. 19 and Oct. 28 on whether to authorize the strike.
“It’s not just about poverty, it’s about fairness,” economics professor Shoshana Grossbard said. “I’m not asking for a big raise, but I’m asking to keep the same value of what I bring to the bank. I have to send children to college.”
CSU campuses are currently offering faculty a 2 percent salary increase, which faculty members say is inadequate.
“We feel that (faculty) should be paid a fair wage so that we can provide quality education, and (faculty) don’t have to worry about where their next meal is going to come from,” social work lecturer Kim Archuletta said.
Students who attended the rally supported the faculty’s movement.
“The professors care for our futures so why shouldn’t we care for their salaries,” said Mariana Sanchez, a Spanish major. “It’s their right to get a fair salary.”
Another student agreed the raise could have a positive influence on students’ classroom experience.
“I’m all for it,” said Ashley Kim, a food and nutrition major. “I think they deserve a raise. I feel like if they get paid well, classes will be smaller.”
Archuletta, who helped organize the picket, said the association’s next step is to meet with the CSU Board of Trustees on Nov. 17 in Long Beach.
“We want to show up when the chancellor is meeting with the Board of Trustees and let them know that we’re serious about wanting a 5 percent salary increase,” Archuletta said.
If faculty does not receive a 5 percent salary increase, they are preparing to go on strike in early spring, Archuletta said.
SDSU had no comment at the time of publication.
This is an ongoing story, check back for updates.
News staff writer Kayla Jimenez contributed to this article.
