An independent report released Monday found that California State University should increase faculty pay by 5 percent, meeting the California Faculty Association’s demands.

The school system had presented the union with a 2 percent increase as a counter offer. After negotiations and mediation failed, a fact-finding panel led by an impartial chair was tasked with writing the report.

The faculty, which is preparing a system-wide five-day strike starting April 13, felt vindicated by the report’s findings, said Sacramento-based CFA President Jennifer Eagan.

“The CSU administration can afford the raises but chooses to spend money on other things like special projects that don’t advantage students and executive salaries,” Egan said.

Cal State University reiterated Monday in its dissent that it does not have the funds to give faculty a 5 percent general salary increase and the stepped raise also suggested in the report.

The dispute over the 2015-2016 school year re-entered negotiations last May. Eagan added that it’s possible an agreement won’t be reached by the time the union and the system enter negotiations for the 2016-2017 school year on May 1.