On Wednesday, United Auto Workers Local 4811, the union representing 48,000 University of California workers and student employees voted to authorize a strike over how UC handled the pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
According to the union, 79% of members approved the strike authorization “if circumstances justify.”
“On Friday, the Eboard will evaluate and announce whether to call the first campus or campuses to Stand Up,” the union wrote on X.
The union is asking UC schools to give amnesty to employees and students who face disciplinary action or arrest due to the protests, divestment from companies profiting off the war, the right to free speech and political expression on campus, and disclosure of investments and funding.
The union also wants the UC to begin peaceful negotiations with the pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
“Brown, Northwestern, Evergreen State, Rutgers, University of Minnesota, and UC Riverside were able to reach agreements with student protesters,” according to a statement on the union’s website. “This kind of open dialogue and toleration of dissent is the way that Universities should deal with members of the campus community raising urgent moral issues.”
Officials at the University of California Office of the President released a statement prior to the vote, writing that the vote “sets a dangerous precedent that would introduce non-labor issues into labor agreements.”
"If a strike is allowed for political and social disputes, the associated work stoppages would significantly impact UC's ability to deliver on its promises to its students, community and the State of California,” the statement read.
KNX News has reached out to the union and UC officials for further comment.
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