By While many felt the strike should have gone on longer, students’ opinions about the strike involved concerns, sympathy for staff and overall confusion on the issue.
Long Beach, Calif: For Sophia Conversano, graphic design major, this situation brings up frustrations with CSU affordability and inconsistent treatment for faculty. Photo credit: Cheyenne Elizarraras
“I have always noticed a lack of support for staff, many of my professors work multiple jobs and that shouldn’t be the case,” said Sophia Conversano, a fourth-year graphic design major.
“If the CSU actually cared about their staff then they wouldn’t need to strike for a livable wage. This 5% seems like a bandaid to keep everybody temporarily happy rather than a long-term solution.”
Long Beach, Calif: Van Pappe (they/them), Women’s, Gender and Sexuality studies major was disappointed with the abrupt end to the strike, feeling more could’ve been done if it didn’t end early and that it would’ve formed a beautiful community of dedicated people. Photo credit: Cheyenne Elizarraras
“I think it’s really disappointing that the union backed down,” said Van Pappe, a fourth-year women’s gender and sexuality studies major. “Within 12 hours we took the measly 5% that was already offered rather than the 12% that we wanted. My professors are not happy about it.”
Long Beach, Calif: Sophia Paik (she/her), undeclared, is glad to be back at school although the shift back to school was sudden. Photo credit: Cheyenne Elizarraras
“I know that some people were upset about the strike ending early since they were expecting an extra week off school, but personally, I am okay with going back to class,” said Sophia Paik, a first-year earth science major. “I’m someone who likes being at school.”
Long Beach, Calif: Jenna Aranda (she/he/they), theater major, feels sympathetic for all her teachers as she watched them prepare to strike for the week. Photo credit: Cheyenne Elizarraras
“The CFA probably should’ve striked longer, especially since they only settled for 5%,” Jenna Aranda said, a fourth-year theater major.
“It’s kind of absurd, especially because I have genuine respect for my professors,” Aranda said. “I love my teachers and they deserve more.”
