CSU faculty OKs contract

Sacramento Bee 5/8/07

By Phillip Reese

California State University instructors have overwhelmingly approved a contract, union officials announced Monday, clearing the way for the system's trustees to end an often-bitter fight over faculty pay that almost led to walkouts.

About 97 percent of the California Faculty Association's members cast ballots in favor of the contract last week. Their approval was largely expected after a tentative agreement avoiding strikes was reached a month ago.

CSU trustees will put the contract to a vote at their May 15-16 meeting.

"We are happy to ratify this contract and hope that the CSU administration will do the same," said John Travis, CTA president, in a statement.

The contract includes about 21 percent in base salary increases for faculty over four years, with extra increases based on merit.