Sonoma State University Trade Workers Continue Teamsters' CSU-Wide Strike

Skilled trade workers picket through rain and hail as negotiations over promised pay raises continue

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Skilled trade workers at Sonoma State University, represented by Teamsters Local 2010, have continued a four-day strike across the California State University system over the university's refusal to pay contractually promised raises. The strike, which began on Tuesday and runs through Friday, has seen workers picketing on campus despite stormy weather conditions.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights ongoing financial challenges facing the CSU system, as well as the tensions between workers and university administrators over promised pay increases. The strike disrupts campus operations and services, underscoring the importance of reaching a resolution that satisfies both the union and the university.

The details

The Teamsters are protesting the CSU's decision to back out of agreed-upon raises that were contingent on the university system receiving full state funding. While the CSU faced budget cuts last year, much of the funding was preserved through an interest-free loan. The union argues the CSU has the resources to follow through on its commitments, while the university claims the one-time loan does not meet the ongoing funding threshold required for the salary provisions.

  • The strike began on Tuesday, February 18, 2026 and is scheduled to run through Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • Sonoma State University trade workers have been picketing on campus since early morning, with some arriving as early as 5 a.m. and staying until around 1:30 or 2 p.m.

The players

Teamsters Local 2010

The union representing 1,100 California State University employees, including about 30 workers at Sonoma State University.

California State University (CSU)

The university system that is facing financial challenges and has decided to back out of agreed-upon raises for Teamsters members.

Kelley Greene

A 13-year HVAC engineer employee at Sonoma State University and a member of Teamsters Local 2010.

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What they’re saying

“We've marched and we've hollered and passed out fliers.”

— Kelley Greene, HVAC engineer, Sonoma State University (The Press Democrat)

What’s next

Union and CSU representatives are currently negotiating, and it's unclear what will happen if a deal is not reached by the end of the strike on Friday.

The takeaway

This strike highlights the ongoing financial challenges facing the California State University system and the tensions between workers and university administrators over promised pay increases. The disruption to campus operations underscores the importance of reaching a resolution that satisfies both the union and the university.