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UC Student Workers Go On Strike, Citing Living Expenses
Student workers and supporters walk from UCLA to Wilshire Boulevard.
(
Ryanne Mena
/
LAist
)
Topline:
Academic workers across all 10 University of California campuses are on strike. They say the university system failed to increase wages adequately.
Who are "academic workers"? United Auto Workers represents some 48,000 members:
- UAW 2865 represents teaching assistants, readers, and tutors
- UAW 5810 represents postdocs and academic researchers
- SRU-UAW represents student researchers
Why are they on strike? Union representatives say students often have to spend more than half of their income on rent. “For me, in 2016 when I started here, I lived in university-owned housing, UCLA’s graduate housing,” said Michael Dean, a doctoral student and bargaining member. “And I paid 69% of my income back to my employer in the form of rent."
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It’s been a contentious year: In November 2021, the union threatened to strike if UC didn’t recognize the union as legitimate. The university did so in December. It’s also been almost a year since the university system averted a lecturer strike.
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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.
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