Cal State workers negotiate COVID-19 leave pay
March 16, 2021
Local 2010’s bargaining team for CSU workers negotiated another round of leave benefits for members to help maintain their jobs and livelihoods. Teamsters working at CSU campuses throughout California will now have access to 256 additional paid leave hours for use between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2021. This is twice the amount going to other CSU bargaining units that don’t have similar settlement agreements.
“Our union agreed that we are past the emergent phase of COVID-19 and that maintaining all CSU workers’ base pay is critical through the remainder of this pandemic,” said Skilled Trades Director Drew Scott. “This is about keeping people in their homes, with the power on and food on the table.”
Importantly, the agreement stipulates that Teamsters will not be required to use their accrued sick leave for time off work due to a work-related COVID-19 illness or exposure. The leave can be utilized when an employee has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or is seeking diagnosis; to care for an immediate family member with COVID or a child, if their school or daycare is closed, or due to a CalOSHA ruling.
“I just want to thank the bargaining team,” said Andrew Lowrimore, a Facilities Worker II at CSU Bakersfield. “You guys saved me 80 hours of sick time due to my COVID exposure at work. Thank you for all your hard work.”
Secretary-Treasurer Jason Rabinowitz said, “Our Bargaining Team did great work winning this agreement that will benefit our CSU members through the COVID surge and beyond. As long as we are facing this pandemic, Teamsters Local 2010 will continue to protect workers’ safety and jobs.”
