What is a strike authorization vote?

SSAPs and RPSPs are voting on whether to give our respective bargaining teams the authority to call an unfair labor practice strike if circumstances justify. Thousands of SSAPs and RPSPs voting yes will send a strong message to UC management that we are united and ready to stand up against their unlawful conduct so we can negotiate a fair contract. You can vote here.

Why hold a strike authorization vote (SAV) now?

Over the months of bargaining, SSAPs and RPSPs have made strong proposals to guarantee dignified compensation and equity in the workplace but unlawful conduct by the UC is impeding the process. The University has committed numerous unfair labor practices impacting SSAPs and RPSPs, including bad faith bargaining and failure to provide necessary information.

The fight for our first contract coincides with this urgent moment where the Trump administration is attacking our research, education, and job security. As UC-UAW staff lead the movement to protect and expand funding to our University, we need to demonstrate our power and compel UC management to make a choice: side with staff to defend public higher education, or continue breaking the law, impeding negotiations for a fair contract instead of fighting Trump together.

The University can choose at any time to fix these unlawful actions and bargain in good faith for a fair agreement. However, we must be ready to exercise our right to strike if they do not meet their obligations to SSAPs and RPSPs under California law.

Where and when would the strike authorization vote take place?

The strike authorization vote will take place online from February 5 to 13th. More information on how to vote will be shared. Until then, staff are pledging to vote Yes on Day 1 and make sure our colleagues do the same. The more staff who vote to authorize our bargaining teams to call for a strike if circumstances justify, the more power we have to win a fair contract.

What unlawful actions has UC committed at the bargaining table?

UC management’s unlawful actions include withholding information necessary for bargaining, bad faith bargaining, and making unilateral changes to SSAP and RPSP working conditions without negotiation. Both SSAP-UAW and RPSP-UAW have filed Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges against the University with the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) regarding this unlawful behavior.

What would a strike look like?

Striking means completely stopping work. During a strike, UC-UAW workers will not perform our work duties and will instead participate in picket lines in and around our campuses to increase the visibility of the strike.

Do I have the legal right to participate in a strike?

Yes, you have the legal right to participate in a strike. It is unlawful under California law to fire or discipline workers for participating in a lawful strike. This protection also applies to international and undocumented workers.

There is strength in numbers. Above all, our greatest protections are unity and robust, mass participation.

Am I allowed to strike if I am an international or undocumented worker?

Yes, international and undocumented workers have the same rights as domestic workers under the law to participate in union activities, including strikes.

What do I do instead of work if we go on strike?

During a strike, RPSPs and SSAPs would participate in various strike duties, which could include picketing in and around campus, phonebanking, outreaching to allies, and coordinating strike efforts.

Will the University care if we go on strike?

Yes, SSAPs and RPSPs perform critical work every day. Additionally, a strike would be highly visible, showing the solidarity of tens of thousands of UC employees and attracting media attention and political support for our right to fair working conditions. Members of other unions can support us in a variety of ways. The combination of stopping our labor, media coverage, and political pressure generated by a strike would absolutely impact the UC.

What makes a strike effective?

Every single day, Student Services & Advising Professionals provide the resources for wellbeing, safety, and success of students across all needs and stages while they’re at the University: enrollment, housing, wellness, academic advising and tutoring, and degree conferment. 

Research & Public Service Professionals advance scientific discovery and brilliance and facilitate vital grants and projects of the UC’s multi-billion dollar research enterprise.

When UC-UAW workers withhold our labor and participate on picket lines, UC will be forced to correct its unlawful behavior to avert a crisis, or completely cease functioning. The more UC-UAW workers who participate, the more collective power we will have.

With SSAPs and RPSPs, a stronger UC and a better future for all are possible. However, thousands of workers withholding our labor–alongside our labor movement allies and legislators with influence over the University–must publicly demonstrate our solidarity in order to compel UC to bargain in good faith.

Do we have a strike fund? How do I access strike assistance?

Yes, UC-UAW workers will have access to UAW’s Strike and Defense Fund after losing pay for participating in a sanctioned strike. Strike assistance is $500 per week for UC-UAW workers who fulfill picket duties. It is unlawful in California for an employer to cut health benefits during a lawful strike, but in the event UC management chooses to break the law, the UAW’s Strike and Defense Fund also provides healthcare.

Am I eligible for strike assistance if I’m an international or undocumented worker?

Yes, international and undocumented workers are eligible for strike assistance, regardless of visa or immigration status. You would receive strike assistance ($500 per week) from the UAW Strike and Defense fund to mitigate lost wages. This is similar to when workers receive Short Term Disability Benefits from an insurance company when they’re not working while on disability or pregnancy leave. Strike assistance is NOT a form of employment. You will not become an employee of the UAW by virtue of receiving strike assistance. Receiving strike assistance does not impact student visa restrictions with regard to the number of hours an international student worker is allowed to work.

Can I be disciplined in my role as a worker for exercising my right to strike?

No, the University cannot retaliate against you for exercising your right to participate in a lawful strike. When you strike in your staff position, you are protected from retaliation in every aspect of your relation to the university. This applies to all SSAPs and RPSPs. You have the right to not cross the picket line, and any work that you miss while on strike may have to be made up after the strike.

Can UC withhold my healthcare benefits if I’m on strike? Will the University continue to pay me as normal?

Under California law, public sector employers are prohibited from withholding health benefits from striking workers. If UC management does nonetheless attempt to withhold health benefits during a strike, RPSPs and SSAPs would have our medical benefits paid through the UAW Strike and Defense Fund.

SSAPs and RPSPs have the right to strike. UC management also has the right to not pay us for the work we don’t do while on strike. In the event of a strike, RPSPs and SSAPs who complete our strike duties and are UAW members will be eligible for $500 per week of strike assistance.