BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Statewide, more than 1,000 skilled trade workers went on a four-day unfair labor practice strike on CSU campuses on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.

Teamsters Local 2010, which represents skilled trade employees such as electricians, plumbers, and more at CSU Bakersfield, released the following statement on Tuesday:

The CSU values its employees and remains committed to fair, competitive pay and benefits for our skilled trades workforce through the collective bargaining process with the Teamsters. It is unfortunate that the Teamsters is advancing false claims to justify a strike, harming both their members and the broader university community.Agreements matter. The Teamsters agreed, in writing, to reopen bargaining if a certain level of new, ongoing funds were not received in 2025. That’s exactly where we are. The CSU has been bargaining in good faith, and we urge the Teamsters to honor their commitment and return to the table. We hope the Teamsters will return to good-faith negotiations so we can reach an agreement as soon as possible.

Jennifer Self, senior director of Strategic Communications and Public Information Officer at CSUB, shared the following statement:

Cal State Bakersfield remains open to students, employees and the public, and instruction and student services continue despite a strike this week by Teamsters Local 2010, which represents skilled trades employees across the 22-campus California State University system. Our students remain at the heart of everything we do, and we are working to ensure there is no interruption in their educational journey. We respect the rights of our employees as this process moves forward and are confident in our ability to navigate this period responsibly and with care for our campus community. We remain hopeful that this matter will be resolved soon.

Self reiterated that CSUB is not involved in negotiations. The Chancellor’s Office in Long Beach handles the negotiations between the two parties.

CSU classes remain in session, and campuses will remain open during the strike, which is expected to last until Friday.