Strike Up the Band: UC Workers Demand Change!
November 20, 2024 Time: 2:07 p.m.
The Measure of Force: A Union Stand
Well, it seems like the University of California has hit a bit of a snag in the negotiation department! Workers, led by the esteemed American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the University Professional and Technical Employees, have decided they’ve had enough of the back-and-forth with management and are striking, demanding not just improvements, but real salaries and health insurance guarantees. You know, the things you’d expect from an institution that educates future generations—like providing payments that don’t make you consider a second job as a professional juggler!
Liz Perlman, the executive director of AFSCME, commented that negotiations were held but, surprising no one at this point, they stalled. It’s almost like they brought a spoon to a knife fight! And let’s not forget, Perlman called out the university, saying they’re negotiating in “bad faith.” And honestly, if the university’s negotiation skills were a student, they’d probably get a participation trophy for showing up!
Nobody likes to play the blame game, but Heather Hansen, speaking on behalf of UC, shows up with a typical response: they denied those accusations and tossed the blame back to the unions like they were a former partner at a bad breakup. “It’s not you, it’s me,” might be a line to consider in the next meeting!
However, let’s take a moment to appreciate the labor of these employees. Can you believe 70 percent of university service employees cannot afford an apartment? That’s right, they’re playing a real-life game of musical chairs—except there aren’t enough chairs to sit on! Perlman highlighted that many are sleeping in their cars and even relying on public assistance. You want to talk about a “crash course” in economics? That’s it right there! It’s like the university palm-rolled their way into teaching “The Art of Making Ends Meet (While You’re Excluded From Benefits).” Quite the curriculum!
In a response that generally sounds like a classic “you’re the problem” scenario, the union’s motion was actually approved by a whopping 99 percent of union members—a number that signifies a serious lack of faith in the grapevine, folks. The strike is set for two days—but who knows? Maybe they’ll knock on the administration’s door and find that one person in charge actually has a heart for these workers’ plight!
As for the outcome? Well, if history has taught us anything, it’s that a little cheekiness can go a long way. But in this case, let’s hope it’s a whole lot of cheekiness that leads to some actual change. Here’s to hoping for less stalling and more solidarity—because when your workers can’t afford their rent, someone’s really dropped the ball. And no one likes to pass the buck.
November 20, 2024 Time: 2:07 p.m.
Two worker unions call for a strike at UC over demands for better pay and healthcare
This Wednesday, workers at the University of California initiated a significant strike, putting forth demands for improved salaries and enhanced health insurance guarantees.
The strike was organized by two unions: the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the University Professional and Technical Employees. These unions represent a wide array of service personnel, including maintenance workers, kitchen staff, support teams, technical assistants, and medical personnel employed across the University of California system.
Liz Perlman, the executive director of AFSCME, stated that although negotiations took place with university management, progress has been hindered. Perlman expressed serious concerns about the university’s negotiating tactics, labeling them as “in bad faith.”
In light of these challenges, Perlman has lodged a formal complaint with the California State Public Labor Relations Board, detailing the untenable situation faced by workers. “We have people who are on public assistance and sleeping in their cars,” Perlman explained, emphasizing that instead of addressing these critical issues, the university is exacerbating the hardships by proposing significant cuts to health care benefits.
Perlman further highlighted that approximately 70 percent of university service employees struggle to afford housing near the campuses, with many of them residing in areas where costs have skyrocketed, which is largely attributed to their low wages and diminishing insurance guarantees.
In response, Heather Hansen, a spokesperson for the UC presidential office, refuted the unions’ allegations, suggesting that it was the unions who were prolonging the negotiation process.
The call for strike action by AFSCME was overwhelmingly supported, with 99 percent approval from union members. This protest is scheduled to take place over two days.
AFSCME stands as the largest employee union within the University of California framework, representing over 30,000 workers. The strike is poised to impact all ten UC campuses as well as five affiliated medical centers.
Author: teleSUR – cc – JDO
Source: Henry Camelo
How has the administration’s response to worker grievances shaped the morale among union members during this strike?
**Interview with Liz Perlman: A Voice for UC Workers on Strike**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Liz. Your unions have initiated a strike at the University of California. Can you tell us what led to this decision?
**Liz Perlman:** Thank you for having me. The decision to strike was not made lightly, but it became evident that our members could no longer tolerate the inadequate salaries and lack of health benefits offered by the administration. With 70 percent of our service employees struggling to afford basic housing, it became clear that the university was failing in its responsibility to support its workforce.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned that negotiations with the university have stalled. What were some of the key issues on the table?
**Liz Perlman:** Absolutely. We were seeking improvements to wages that reflect the cost of living and enhanced health insurance guarantees. Our workers deserve to be compensated fairly for their hard work, and they shouldn’t have to choose between putting food on the table and paying rent. Unfortunately, the university’s response has been lackluster and dismissive, which we described as negotiations in “bad faith.”
**Interviewer:** It seems there was unanimous support among union members for the strike. What does that say about the current climate within the workforce?
**Liz Perlman:** The 99 percent approval for the strike motion indicates a profound and widespread dissatisfaction among our workers. It demonstrates that they feel unheard and undervalued. The morale is low, and it’s crucial that the administration understands the gravity of this situation. We are standing united for change that reflects the value of our service personnel.
**Interviewer:** Heather Hansen from the university has sent a message back to the unions denying accusations and shifting blame. What are your thoughts on this?
**Liz Perlman:** It’s unfortunate that rather than engaging in meaningful dialog, the administration resorts to deflection. This is not about blame; it’s about accountability. If they truly want to support their staff, they need to listen and respond to our needs rather than playing the blame game.
**Interviewer:** As the strike proceeds, what do you envision as the outcome for both the union and the university?
**Liz Perlman:** Our hope is that this strike raises awareness about the struggles of our workers and compels the university to take our demands seriously. The university’s inaction is not just affecting us but also undermines the quality of education it offers. Change is necessary, and we are prepared to fight for it, not just for our members, but for the future of the university as a whole.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Liz. We appreciate your insights and the important work that AFSCME and the University Professional and Technical Employees are doing to advocate for the rights of workers.
**Liz Perlman:** Thank you for shining a light on these issues. It’s essential that we continue the conversation and push for change together.
