Worker Strike Finally Ends at University of California
“The dramatic improvements to our salaries and working conditions are the result of tens of thousands of workers striking together in unity”
Watch university workers in other states try to replicate this now.
NPR reports:
University of California workers end strike after approving contracts
Striking graduate students at the University of California approved a bargaining agreement Friday, ending an unprecedented 40-day strike that snarled classes at the prestigious university system.
Union representatives said Friday a majority of striking graduate students and teaching assistants approved two contracts to formally end the work stoppage.
Wages will rise up to 80% for some of the lowest-paid workers, with all workers seeing a boost in pay, union representatives said. The contracts also improve benefits to help workers cover child care expenses and health costs and will help intentional students, they said.
The bargaining units were represented by the United Auto Workers.
“The dramatic improvements to our salaries and working conditions are the result of tens of thousands of workers striking together in unity,” Rafael Jaime, president of UAW 2865, said in a statement. “These agreements redefine what is possible in terms of how universities support their workers, who are the backbone of their research and education enterprise.”
The university system applauded the new contracts, which it said will take immediate effect and run through May 31, 2025.
“Today’s ratification demonstrates yet again the University’s strong commitment to providing every one of our hardworking employees with competitive compensation and benefit packages that honor their many contributions to our institution, to our community, and to the state of California,” UC said in a statement.
The agreements cover about 36,000 workers, many of whom make as little as $24,000 annually, a paltry salary for living in cities like Los Angeles, San Diego and Berkeley, where the university system has campuses.
The union said the strike, which began in mid-November, was largest ever among academic workers. It was being closely watched by other university campuses around the country.
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Comments
Earth to college students, you go to college then leave and join the working world. No you do NOT get to have the university pay you forever until and unless you want to use your degree. I doubt whether classes were upset in any meaningful way. I mean these where California college classes, where the teachers are not allowed to teach the subjects but only indoctrination.
So U of Cali system is a monopoly-oligarch, exploiting their workers till forced to adjust by direct action?
So, they’re the bad guys, now?
You’re not paying attention; it’s a stealth “living wage” contract.