Hundreds of unionized University of California workers circled the Arbor in front of the Library at UC Santa Barbara on Thursday at what organizers called a “last chance” practice picket — a visible warning that a strike could be days away if contract talks continue to stall.
Roughly 300 workers marched through the center of campus shortly after noon, carrying signs and chanting for fair pay, job security, and protections for international employees. Similar demonstrations were held concurrently across all 10 UC campuses as part of a coordinated action by United Auto Workers Local 4811, which represents tens of thousands of academic and professional staff systemwide.
The union has accused the university of committing unfair labor practices during ongoing negotiations with three bargaining units: Academic Student Employees, Student Services and Advising Professionals, and Research and Public Service Professionals — together representing about 40,000 workers. In simple terms, the groups include graduate student instructors and teaching assistants, as well as academic advisors, admissions coordinators, researchers, and other campus professionals.
“This is their last chance,” said Emma Hanlon, a graduate student teaching assistant and union head steward at UCSB. She pointed to the recent strike authorization vote in which more than 90 percent of participating members supported giving union leadership the power to call a walkout…