With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
UC academic worker strike officially ends, but each side will keep pressing its claim
Members of UAW 4811 went on strike in May 2-24, although a judge had paused the strike in June.
(
Samanta Helou Hernandez
/
LAist
)
Topline:
Earlier this month, an Orange County judge paused a strike by the University of California's academic workers. On Thursday, the union agreed to halt the strike altogether, but both sides of the conflict plan to keep pressing their arguments to the state government.
What's the background? UC workers launched a series of "stand-up strikes" beginning in late May at UC Santa Cruz in response to crackdowns on faculty and students who were protesting Israel's war effort in Gaza. The strike gradually grew to include six campuses, and workers at other schools said they were ready to join in.
Why it matters: The union’s demands included 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. The union asserted those issues were tied to labor practices and so had the right to strike, while the university system argued the strike was a breach of contract.
Sponsored message
What's next? Neither the court nor the state's Public Employment Relations Board have made a decision about who's right.
“While we are relieved this strike is over, we continue to seek clarity that our no-strike clauses are enforceable,” said Missy Matella, associate vice president of Systemwide Employee and Labor Relations.
A representative for the union has not responded to LAist's request for comment.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
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.
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.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
