Faculty Strike: A Lecturer's Dilemma

As a faculty member in the California State University system, the nation's largest public university system, I have always been passionate about teaching and guiding students toward their academic and personal goals. However, in the past few months, that passion has been overshadowed by a looming faculty strike. This week, the California Faculty Association (CFA) is on strike for better salaries, working conditions, and learning spaces.

The Dilemma - Whose Side Am I On?

It's a difficult situation, as I find myself torn between supporting my colleagues and worrying about a strike's impact on my students. On one hand, I completely understand and empathize with the reasons behind the strike. As faculty, many of my colleagues are overworked and underpaid, often juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. Our working conditions directly affect the quality of education we can provide our students.

But at the same time, I cannot ignore the fact that a strike significantly impacts my students. Many of them are already struggling to make ends meet themselves, with the rising cost of tuition and living expenses. A strike means canceled classes, delayed assignments, and the need to condense 15 weeks of learning into 14 weeks. This could also have a ripple effect on their mental health as they try to balance the added stress of a strike with their already demanding academic workload.

Whether to support a strike or not is a difficult decision for any faculty member. We are not just teachers but mentors and role models to our students. We want to fight for our rights and improve our working conditions, but we also want to ensure that our student's education is not disrupted.

Furthermore, a strike can create a divide between faculty and students. It can create a sense of tension and mistrust, as students may feel caught in the middle of a battle between their professors and the university administration. This can damage our positive relationships with our students and hinder their learning experience.

But How Do The Students Really Feel?

I sent out a short five-question survey to my students the week prior to the start of the strike. I was interested to hear their take on the pending strike. I have to admit that I was surprised by the responses:

• 93% of the respondents feel that the faculty is justified in striking.

• 93% support the planned strike.

• 45% feel that the strike is unfair to the students.

• 78% stated that they would attend class if I decided to hold class during the strike.

• 90% stated that the fact that a professor decided to participate in the strike and canceled their classes would NOT negatively impact their perception of the professor's dedication to the students.

This definitely helped ease my mind in the decision to support my colleagues in the strike and really says a lot about our students and their support of the needs of their professors!

I have seen firsthand the impact of a faculty strike on students. In a previous strike a number of years ago, I witnessed the frustration and confusion of students who were caught in the middle of a strike. It was heartbreaking to see their academic progress and mental well-being suffer due to factors beyond their control.

However, I also believe that a faculty strike can bring about positive change in the long run. It sends a strong message to the administration that faculty are united and will not accept unfair working conditions. It can also bring attention to the issues that have been plaguing us for too long and push for much-needed improvements.

There's No "Best" Decision

As a faculty member, I struggle with wanting to support my colleagues and fight for our rights, but also not wanting to hurt my students. It's a delicate balance and one that requires careful consideration and communication. We must work together to find a solution that benefits both faculty and students.

Ultimately, we all have the same goal - to provide the best education possible for our students. And while a strike may cause temporary disruptions, our collective efforts can lead to a better and more equitable future for faculty and students. As we navigate these uncertain times, I hope we can come together and find a solution that works for everyone involved. After all, we are a community, and we must support and uplift each other to thrive.

Photo Credit: California Faculty Association