UAW 4811 Votes to Authorize Strike Over University’s Response to Encampments

United Auto Workers (UAW) 4811 voted to authorize a strike if unfair labor practice charges filed “in response to UC’s actions against peaceful protesters” remain unresolved.

The unfair labor practice charges stem from multiple alleged violations by the UC system over pro-Palestine demonstrations at UC Los Angeles, UC Irvine, and UC San Diego, according to UAW 4811.

Between May 13 and 15, 19,780 union members, consisting of teaching assistants, readers, tutors, student researchers, postdocs, and academic researchers, voted on the strike authorization. 79% of participating members “voted to authorize their Executive Board to call a Stand Up Strike if circumstances justify,” according to a statement released by UAW 4811.

The union, which represents 48,000 members across the UC system, states that “certain campuses may be called to go out on strike at certain times.” According to a post on X by UAW 4811, “On Friday, the [Executive Board] Eboard will evaluate and announce whether to call the first campus or campuses to Stand Up.”

The union is calling on the University of California to reach agreement with stakeholders on the following issues:

“1. Amnesty for all academic employees, students, student groups, faculty, and staff who face disciplinary action or arrest due to protest.
2. Right to free speech and political expression on campus.
3. Divestment from UC’s known investments in weapons manufacturers, military contractors, and companies profiting from Israel’s war on Gaza.
4. Disclosure of all funding sources and investments, including contracts, grants, gifts, and investments, through a publicly available, publicly accessible, and up-to-date database.
5. Empower researchers to opt out from funding sources tied to the military or oppression of Palestinians. The UC must provide centralized transitional funding to workers whose funding is tied to the military or foundations that support Palestinian oppression.”

The passing comes after widespread support at UCSD to vote “yes” on the strike authorization vote. On Tuesday, May 7, several hundred demonstrators gathered at a rally organized by UAW 4811 on Library Walk outside Geisel Library in support of pro-Palestine demonstrators arrested the day before, and to encourage union members to vote in favor of the strike authorization.

In a previous statement sent to The Triton on May 7, Heather Hansen, a spokesperson for the UC Office of the President (UCOP) said, “The University is concerned that a potential strike by UAW-represented academic employees could create significant disruptions at a time when stability and support are crucial for our community. A strike during this already vulnerable time will maximize disruption, interfere with end-of-year activities and create more uncertainty for our students and communities. There is no basis under the contract or the law for UAW to strike. UC and UAW have a mutually agreed upon contract.” 

They cited Article 15 of their agreed upon contract titled “No Strikes,” specifically “The UAW, on behalf of its officers, agents, and members agrees that there shall be no strikes, including sympathy strikes, stoppages, interruptions of work, or other concerted activities which interfere directly or indirectly with University operations.”

An internal document obtained by The Triton titled “Strike Resource for Faculty Instructors of Record and Principal Investigator Supervisors Who Supervise Graduate Student Employees” notes that “the University will explore all available legal options to bring the strike to an end as soon as possible.”

Liam Winstead is the Managing Editor for The Triton.