A pair of rallies are planned at Stanislaus State this coming week, bringing to light the layoff notices sent to 18 staff members, and the reassignment of 11 others.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed $323 billion spending plan cuts $375 million from the CSU system’s budget, with Stanislaus State facing a shortfall of more than $13 million for the coming fiscal year.
On Monday, the California State University Employees Union will hold a rally at the campus from noon to 2 p.m. to bring attention to cuts it says were made arbitrarily.
“Our biggest demand is that the administration follow our contract and legal obligations to meet and confer with us to negotiate these so-called cuts,” said Nic Webber, the CSUEU chapter president, a Stanislaus State graduate who oversees operations in the campus print shop. “I say ‘so-called’ cuts because we believe these cuts are based around managerial mismanagement of funds.”
Immediately following the two-hour rally, demonstrators will head to the campus Event Center to attend university president Britt Rios-Ellis’ budget forum.
“We began the July 2024-2025 academic year with a $13.1 million budget deficit. We have engaged in several solutions to mitigate this deficit and recognize that the difficult decisions we have made have very real personal and emotional impacts on valuable members of our community. At every step of this difficult process, the well-being and success of our community — and the strength of Stan State, our beloved and highly ranked University — remain at the heart of our efforts,” said University leadership in a statement to the Journal.
Statewide, the CSUEU boasts 14,000 members, and is currently negotiating a contract for student-assistants that will double its numbers, according to Webber.
On Thursday, starting at 11:45 a.m., the California Faculty Association will have a mock funeral procession for colleagues that have lost their jobs. The procession will begin at the Mary Stuart Rogers Building (Rose Garden), then make its way along Monte Vista Avenue.
“The CFA is taking the lead on it, but this is really for all our unions,” said Dave Colnic, the CFA chapter president, and chair of the Political Science, Public Administration, and Leadership Studies department. “The idea is to illustrate what’s happening on our own campus. We’re mourning the destruction of our mission, as well as the loss of people who helped us deliver that mission.”
Webber and Colnic both believe this week’s rally is just the opening salvo in a lengthy fight.
“Monday is the first step in a long list of steps,” said Webber.
“It sure feels that way to me,” added Colnic.
The public is encouraged to attend each event.
“We’re hoping to get as many people there so as many people can see this and take up our cause,” said Webber. “Staff members are also community members. We all live in Turlock, or in the area. Some of us went to school here, some of us have family that went to school here, or are currently going to school here. Some of the staff are even attending school here.
“Layoffs at Stanislaus State affect the local economy.”
According to Kristina Stamper, Stanislaus State’s director for communications, 18 employees received layoff notices.
“Most were placed on leave with pay, as the collective bargaining agreement allows and is normal practice after layoff notices are given,” said Stamper. “Some are still working, and none were terminated immediately.”
The positions of those who received layoff notices are scheduled to end in May.
