The California State University faculty union decided to strike for one day today after negotiated pay increases were being withheld from teachers based on an administrative decision.

Robert Dewitz, 22, psychology and sign language major, plans to imitate that by organizing his own “student and teacher solidarity walk-out” 10:30 to noon today at the library lawn.

With a teacher strike at local CSU campuses seeming imminent, a local EC student is taking charge and trying to help educate and inform his fellow students and he is also  trying to show support for teachers who are going on strike.

Dewitz along with other students are showing their support for the CSU teacher ‘s strike that is going to be taking place today.

Dewitz said he hopes to show his fellow students that they can be directly affected by this strike and that the only way to fight against it is to educate themselves and to show support by executing something.

“The threat of a teacher strike affects everyone, especially the students,” Dewitz said. “It’s only fair that they know about this situation and why we are in it.”

Dewitz and other students have been working information booths all week trying to raise awareness about the current situation with budget cuts affecting the CSU system.

Meetings to discuss the current economic and education problems of California are taking place from 1 to 3 p.m. in Art Building Room 103.

Dewitz said he also hopes to get other students at EC informed and involved for the cause.

“We’ve been organizing with members of various clubs on campus about supporting the teachers and standing in solidarity with them,” Dewitz said.

Some students would argue that the teacher strike expected to take place today would negatively affect the students involved.

Elizabeth Shadish, the President of the Federation of Teachers or the faculty union, said she disagrees.

“Students would be negatively effected by the walk-out, but it is an unavoidable consequence,” Shadish said. “We think students are being hurt now by actions of districts, but in the long run the walk-out would help them. It’s a complicated situation.”

Dewitz said that although the current situation may not positively affect student now, the teachers will still need the students’ help and support.

“It’s a small price to pay for the message this is carrying,” Detwitz said. “Teachers have been on the frontline defending students and not just themselves.  They need our solidarity.”