Hector is a married father of three who has worked for SJSU for the past 15 years as a groundskeeper. Originally an immigrant from Mexico, he became a citizen in 1989. Margarita’s first job was sewing clothes in Mexico at the age of 7. Now a grandmother of six, she has worked as a custodian at San Jose State University for the last 12 years. Both of these hardworking university employees have struggled to achieve the American dream. But the dream is dwindling as they have limited opportunities for advancement, few pay increases and face the constant threat of losing their jobs to outside contractors. But for both of these workers, and hundreds of others, now is the time to take a stand.
Hector and Margarita, San Jose State University classified employees
At a time when student fees are at an all-time high, state funding to the CSU remains stagnant at 1998-99 levels, and the state faces a dramatic shortage of well educated workers, we all need to “Take a Stand!” to protect the CSU and the future of California.
The California State University Employees Union brings its “Take a Stand” campaign to San Jose State University today in the form of a noon rally in front of Tower Hall. CSUEU represents classified staff members at the CSU’s 23 campuses, encompassing such diverse job categories as registered nurses, library assistants, graphic specialists, information technology consultants, custodians, groundsworkers, and performing arts technicians, among many others
The objectives of the “Take a Stand!” campaign are to:
- Fully fund the CSU budget and freeze tuition for all students
- Establish workplace protections and salary/benefit structures to support an experienced workforce
- Ensure that the legislature directs additional funding to rebuilding the CSU’s human infrastructure
For Hector, whose family is forced to move half way across the country for a cheaper cost of living, this campaign is critical. For Margarita, whose three children and 6 grandchildren are also pursuing the American Dream, this campaign is vital. You can support the hundreds of employees at the CSU’s 23 campuses by taking a stand. CSU employee conditions relate to student learning conditions, because students can’t have positive educational experiences if the staff members who support the campus have negative working conditions.
The rally is at noon today. San Jose State Tower Hall.
John Watson is the Communications Officer for the California State University Employees Union.
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