CMA teachers to vote on strike authorization
Times-Herald 3/5/07
The CMA teachers join thousands of California State University faculty members who will decide if they should authorize a strike to protest low wages.
The California Faculty Association and the CSU Chancellor's Office has spent the last 22 months negotiating for a new contract, but the two sides have been unable to reach an accord.
California Maritime Academy instructor Tuuli Messer-Bookman, the president of the maritime chapter of the CFA, said Vallejo teachers are fed up with low pay and are ready to strike. "We've had no raise of any sort since 2002," she said.
Teachers will cast ballots in CMA's faculty conference room, and will be able to vote online, too, she said.
Last month, virtually every CMA teacher vowed to participate in voting, Messer-Bookman said.
Teachers could walk off the job if 50 percent plus one of the CFA members vote to go on strike.
The League of Women Voters will count the votes March 19-20. Results are scheduled to be announced March 21.
Teachers maintain they are paid nearly 20 percent less than at comparable institutions around the country while administrators have raised their own salaries 23 percent.
Teachers are seeking a 25 percent increase over four years; the administration has offered a 24 percent increase over four years.
Vallejo's CMA is one of 23 CSU schools statewide.