CSU Employee Update for Aug. 24

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CSU, Skilled Trades Union Reach Tentative Agreement

The CSU and the State Employees Trades Council-United (SETC) have reached a tentative agreement that maintains the current salary scale with no increases, but provides the option of reopening salary and benefit terms in the 2010-11 fiscal year. The agreement, which is in effect until June 30, 2011, was reached following recommendations by a neutral fact-finder.

In addition to the contract, SETC will poll its members this week on the CSU's proposal to furlough employees two days a month as part of the university's effort to manage a $564 million budget cut. SETC had previously chosen layoffs per its contract when the CSU began talks with all of its labor organizations on furloughs last month. Almost all of the CSU's 47,000 employees began furloughs Aug. 1.

SETC represents approximately 1,000 employees in skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters and others who help maintain campus facilities.

Record Number of 11th Graders Take CSU's EAP Tests

The number of high school juniors taking the CSU's Early Assessment Program (EAP) tests in English and mathematics proficiency increased for the fourth consecutive year. A record 369,441 11th-grade public school students took one or both of the tests in spring 2009, an increase of 3.7 percent, or 13,272 students, since last year. The EAP tests let students know if they are proficient enough in English and math for college entry.

This year's EAP results also showed an increase in the number of students eligible to take the EAP math test. Nearly 22,000 more students qualified and took the test than in 2008. In order to take the math test, students need to have progressed to Algebra II by their junior year.

First-time freshmen at the CSU must demonstrate readiness for college English and mathematics by showing proficiency in the EAP tests, passing the CSU's placement test, or obtaining a qualifying score on the SAT or ACT test. About 60 percent of the CSU's first-time freshmen do not show proficiency. For more information, visit www.calstate.edu/pa/news/2009/eap.shtml.