Senior Staff Writers
On strike: Teaching assistants went on strike systemwide on Oct. 3, accusing the Universtiy of California of unfair labor practices and bad-faith bargaining.
Many students who went to their sections or discussion groups on Oct. 3 found their classrooms empty as the graduate student instructors’ union went on a one-day strike throughout UC campuses to protest what they have called unfair labor practices and bad-faith bargaining on the part of the University of California.
Negotiations between the University of California and the United Auto Workers, which represents over 10,000 teaching assistants, readers and tutors throughout the University of California’s eight undergraduate campuses, broke down on Sept. 30 after six months. According to UAW officials, this was due to the University of California’s “”attempting to single out”” the union among unions with similar contracts and asking them to stop supporting other unions’ labor actions in “”sympathy strikes.””
“”We want to send a clear message that they can’t treat us differently from other unions,”” said Beth Rayfield, UAW’s Southern California representative. “”This is something our members found outrageous.””
The UAW has filed 64 unfair labor practice charges against the University of California for bargaining in bad faith.
“”We just basically want to put a stop to the UC administration’s attempt to weaken the contract,”” said Anthony Navarrevte, a Muir Writing Program teaching assistant. “”Their ultimate goal is to get rid of the union and they’re using illegal tactics and stalling tactics in hopes that we’ll be discouraged, that we’ll just go away, but that’s not going to happen. We’re here to show strength to the campus community that the union’s just not going to stand for it.””
While the union felt the strike was legal, claiming the right to protest unfair treatment by the university, UC officials called it illegal.
“”The union claims such a strike is legally justified because it has filed unfair labor practice charges against the University,”” UC Office of the President representatives stated in a press release dated Oct. 2. “”However, what should be made clear is that either side can file as many ULPs as they like, and simply because one party may do so does not mean the charges have merit.””
UCOP also contended that UC student employees were, under contract, only allowed to join in other unions’ strikes so long as they did not interfere with their duties.
“”Because the law and principles of good-faith negotiating require that the full bargaining process including impasse procedures be completed before striking, we very much regret the union’s decision to ask our student employees to consider a strike at this time,”” said Judith W. Boyette, UC associate vice president for human resources and benefits. “”Still, we remain hopeful that resolution is near.””
On the UCSD campus, approximately 50 graduate student instructors picketed on the corner of Gilman Drive and Osler Avenue in the morning, with more protesters replacing each other throughout the day. Later, protesters walked around campus, including Student Center and Price Center, ending up at the administration complex, where they voiced their message to the administration from a loudspeaker.
“”There were thousands of people out on every campus,”” Rayfield said. “”It was a mad house, which is really exciting, but it’s unfortunate it has come to this.””
Some students who found their sections or discussion groups deserted were frustrated.
“”I think it’s ridiculous we’re spending all this money and they’re not helping us,”” John Muir College freshman Lauren Canacari said. “”I asked my TA questions about the reading and he said, ŒI can’t answer your question because I’m on strike,’ which was really upsetting to me.””
Rayfield said the union hoped to send a strong message to UC President Robert C. Dynes, who took office Oct. 2.
“”We feel that this is an inauspicious start to his administration,”” Rayfield said. “”We hope this is not a sign of things to come with President Dynes.””
