University Maintenance Workers Rally for Higher Wages

Earlier this week, maintenance workers at California State University (CSU) in Chico, California, staged a labor rally on campus seeking a new contract, Action News Now reports. The workers, members of the Teamsters Local 2010 labor union, are seeking a higher pay increase to keep up with inflation, rather than the additional 1% to 2% they typically receive every year.

As essential workers, the university maintenance crew say they have labored long hours during the pandemic to keep facilities running smoothly on the campus. They are concerned that because the university is currently operating without a chancellor, with an interim chancellor starting soon, their contract will not be a priority for school officials. However, university officials say they will not neglect the needs of the maintenance staff.

“The CSU is committed to providing appropriate levels of compensation for our valued employees,” said Chico State Director of Communications and Public Affairs Toni Molle. “We continue to meet at the bargaining table with the representative of Teamsters Local 2010 regarding salary and benefits.”

The maintenance workers have no immediate plans to strike as they continue contract negotiations.