The state labor board had twice declined to block the work stoppages, so UC turned to the court.
UCLA academic workers from United Auto Workers Local 4811 rally on the first day of their strike on May 28 in Los Angeles, California. | Mario Tama/Getty ImagesA judge on Friday ordered a temporary halt to a proliferating academic worker strike at the University of California, where employees have walked off the job at several campuses in protest of the UC’s handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
The decision is a blow to the union that is sure to intensify tensions with the university system, which has been tested by the occupation of academic buildings and construction of encampments on several campuses since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. “From the beginning, we have stated this strike was illegal and a violation of our contracts’ mutually agreed upon no-strike clauses,” said Melissa Matella, associate vice president for Systemwide Labor Relations, in a statement. “We respect the advocacy and progressive action towards issues that matter to our community and our community’s right to engage in lawful free speech activities — activities that continue to occur across the system.
“UC academic workers are facing down an attack on our whole movement,” union President Rafael Jaime said in a statement. “I want to make clear that this struggle is far from over. In the courtroom, the law is on our side and we’re prepared to keep defending our rights — and outside, 48,000 workers are ready for a long fight.”
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