University of California teaching assistants, researchers set Nov. 14 strike date

University of California academic workers have set a Nov. 14 strike date, delivering written notice to UC officials early Friday morning.

Nearly 48,000 postdoctoral and academic researchers, graduate student researchers and teaching assistants, tutors and readers, represented by four bargaining units of the United Auto Workers, will walk off the job unless they can reach an agreement with UC before then.

“I’m excited because we’re ready to stand united, and we’re ready to hold UC accountable,” said Aarthi Sekar, a graduate researcher in the UC Davis genetics department and a bargaining team member of UAW 2865.

There are about 6,200 academic workers at UC Davis, organizers estimate.

A strike would most likely disrupt operations at all 10 UC campuses, where academic workers contribute heavily to research, teaching and grading.

University officials have said that plans are in place to continue classes.

“All campuses will be prepared to ensure continuity of instruction and research in the event of a UAW strike,” the UC previously said in a written statement. “Ultimately, differences must be resolved at the bargaining table, with both sides being flexible and willing to compromise.”

Over 36,500 workers voted Wednesday night to authorize the strike. They say the university’s previous offers failed to meet their demands for livable wages and child care subsidies, among other provisions. They also say UC violated labor laws and failed to bargain in good faith.

UC officials rejected charges that they acted illegally.

The Council of UC Faculty Associations, which represents dues-paying professors in the UC Academic Senate, supports the workers and called on UC to start bargaining in good faith — for the sake of workers and students.

“As undergraduate enrollments rise, improved working and living conditions of academic workers are necessary to provide students with the best possible learning conditions,” said Constance Penley, president of the Council.

Penley said the Council would encourage senate faculty members to honor the picket line. A sign-on statement sent out Wednesday has already garnered over 500 signatures.

Sekar hopes the setting of the strike date will send a clear message to UC and compel them to bring a fair agreement to the bargaining table.

“Our strike is going to take a lot of sacrifice, but a fair contract and living wage is going to be worth it,” she said.

This story was originally published November 4, 2022 at 8:23 AM with the headline "University of California teaching assistants, researchers set Nov. 14 strike date."