APC and CSU have reached a tentative agreement that includes two 4% salary increases, retroactive pay, and an additional $3,325 payment for qualifying full-time employees. For those eligible for both raises, this translates into an 8.16% compounded salary increase by July 2027.
This agreement, signed on October 7, 2026, updates Articles 23, 24, 32, and 34 and extends our contract through June 30, 2028.
Highlights include the following:
- 4% General Salary Increase retroactive to July 1, 2026: This permanent salary increase applies to bargaining unit employees who are in active status or on leave at the time of processing.
- An additional 4% General Salary Increase effective July 1, 2027: This salary increase will go to bargaining unit employees who are in active pay status or on leave as of July 1, 2027. Together, the two salary raises mean an 8.16% compounded increase for employees who qualify for both raises.
- $3,325 one-time payment for eligible full-time employees: To qualify, employees must be employed in an APC-represented position on November 13, 2026. The payment will be prorated according to the employee’s time base. Employees can only receive the payment once, regardless of how many APC-represented positions they hold. The payment will be paid out separately and will be subject to withholdings and deductions. The approximate 5% refers to the total compensation package, not 5% of an individual employee’s salary.
- Salary range increases with each raise: The minimums and maximums of all Unit 4 classifications will increase by the amount of each General Salary Increase. It will take effect on the respective GSI date.
- In-Range Progression (IRP) process and APC bonus programs preserved: The agreement will preserve the IRP process and the Long-Term Service, Educational Achievement, and Budget Shortfall Mitigation programs through June 30, 2028, according to their existing eligibility and funding rules. The Merit Bonus pool funds will supplement the Budget Shortfall Mitigation Bonus in fiscal year 2027–28.
- Health benefits and advisory review work group: APC agrees to participate in CSU’s advisory Health Benefits Review Work Group to examine health benefit costs, enrollment trends, plan selection, employer contribution levels, out-of-pocket costs, utilization trends, and comparable public employer practices. The existing statutory employer-contribution formula will remain in effect through December 31, 2028. Health Benefits Review Work Group can examine the costs and options but cannot change the contract or employer contribution in any way. Employer contributions starting January 1, 2029, will be negotiated as part of the successor contract.
- Limitation on the increase in parking fees: Since this agreement provides a one-time payment for 2025–26 rather than a General Salary Increase, this provision will not trigger an increase that year. However, the agreement retains the provision that an increase of up to $2 per month in 2026–27 must be tied to a mutually agreed GSI for that fiscal year. The agreement also allows an increase of up to $2 per month for 2027–28. The fee increase may occur no more than once per fiscal year and cannot exceed the student rate at the time of the increase.
- Extension of the contract through June 30, 2028: Negotiations for a successor contract will commence when either party submits the proposal between February 1 and March 1, 2028. This agreement will not create a salary step system.
Ratification Information
The agreement remains tentative until APC members and the CSU Board of Trustees ratify it. The American Arbitration Association (AAA) will conduct the voting electronically. Please follow the instructions in your ballot email.
Review the signed tentative agreement before voting.
We encourage everyone to participate in the upcoming town hall meetings, where we will provide more information and take questions. Please click the link below to review the completed, signed tentative agreement before voting.
Thank you for your patience, participation, and support as we worked to achieve these gains for Unit 4 employees.
Click the link to read the TA articles: Complete APC/CSU Tentative Agreement
In solidarity,
APC Bargaining Team