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Judge Orders UC Academic Workers To Pause Strike
Members of UAW 4811 have joined a growing strike across the University of California system.
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Samanta Helou Hernandez
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LAist
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Topline:
An Orange County Superior Court judge has ordered academic workers at the University of California to put their strike on pause.
The backstory: The university asked for a temporary restraining order earlier this week, saying the work stoppage violates the workers’ union contract. UC workers launched their strike in late May at UC Santa Cruz in response to crackdowns on faculty and students who were protesting the war in Gaza. The strike gradually grew to include six campuses, and workers at other schools said they were ready to join in.
Why now: UC tried to stop the strike by turning to the state Public Employment Relations Board (PERB), which rejected its two requests. That’s when the system turned to an Orange County court.
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Why it matters: UAW 4811 represents nearly 48,000 teaching assistants, researchers, postdocs, and other academic workers — and students across the system’s 10 campuses are wrapping up the academic year.
The union’s demands include amnesty for students and faculty who were arrested when encampments were dismantled, as well as divestment from companies that are profiting from the war in Gaza. They also want researchers to be able to opt out from funding sources tied to the military.
UC’s response: "We are extremely grateful for a pause in this strike so our students can complete their academic studies. The strike would have caused irreversible setbacks to students' academic achievements and may have stalled critical research projects in the final quarter," Melissa Matella, associate vice president for Systemwide Labor Relations, said in a statement.
Union’s response: “I want to make clear that this struggle is far from over. In the courtroom, the law is on our side and we’re prepared to keep defending our rights — and outside, 48,000 workers are ready for a long fight,” UAW 4811 President Rafael Jaime said in a statement.
Producer Libby Rainey contributed to this story.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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