Forty-eight thousand academic workers at the University of California are going on strike across the state today. United Auto Workers locals 2865 and 5810, and the student researchers of newly-organized SRU-UAW are walking off the job.
The reason is that the state’s largest landlord and employer, the University of California, has failed to address the worsening crisis of worker housing and affordability and to take into account the cost of living for its workforce. This strike is a fight against the privatization and austerity that has closed the doors to public higher education for many working-class students.
The academic workers, represented by the UAW authorized a strike during a process held from Oct .26 to Nov. 2. Of the 36,558 votes that were cast, 98% voted Yes to authorize a multi-unit strike. According to the UAW, this was the largest decisive strike authorization vote taken by academic workers in the United States.
One of the key sets of demands relates to salaries. The UAW asserts that the UCs failure to support a diverse workforce undermines the quality of research and education. demands.
- $54,000/year minimum salary for all Grad Workers
- $70,000/year minimum salary for Postdocs
- 14% salary increase for Academic Researchers
- Annual cost of living adjustments and experience-based increases
To help combat climate change the union is demanding free passes for public transportation to and from work and cash incentives for carpoolers. They also call for appointment security and $2,000/month childcare support and expanded parental and family leave.
Picket lines will be set up at 8am.