Bargaining Update #15: Last Chance Picket Mar. 12th // Mediated Bargaining Begins

Two weeks ago, over 23,000 Academic Student Employees (ASEs) and UC staff voted in the Unfair Labor Practice Strike Authorization Vote. With over 93% voting yes, we sent an undeniable message to UC management: ASEs and staff are united, powerful, and prepared to strike if management does not stop breaking the law. 

After more than seven months of negotiations, UC management’s unlawful behavior continues to delay a fair agreement. As both ASEs and staff enter a new phase of mediated bargaining,  it’s time to ramp up the pressure on UC management. That’s why on Thursday, March 12th, workers on every UC campus will be picketing to tell management they have one last chance to do the right thing – stop breaking the law so we can settle a fair contract!

Last week, the ASE Bargaining Committee met UC management for the first bargaining sessions following our successful ULP strike authorization vote. These sessions are now being mediated through the California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). With a mediator involved, both sides have begun passing proposals that could move us toward a fair agreement. 

But as of now, UC’s unfair labor practices are still standing in the way of real progress and a full and fair contract that delivers on our core priorities, including:

• Fair and stable pay, with wage increases that keep up with the rising cost of living;

• Eliminating or reducing arbitrary pay disparities between campuses, cohorts, and job titles;

• Ironclad protections for international worker rights;  

• And real job security.

The SAV was a wake-up call to UC management, and now it’s time to show them what they can expect if they don’t stop breaking the law. Join your coworkers at the Last Chance on March 12th!