UC students and faculty are expected to strike on Thursday in solidarity with graduate student workers who are asking for higher wages. The workers argue they’re not being compensated in line with the cost of living at UC campuses, while the UC system says there isn’t room in the budget. The strike began at UC Santa Cruz in December when teaching assistants organized to withhold final grades. Fifty-four of those teaching assistants were fired last Friday, and around 30 more are no longer eligible for spring positions. Meanwhile, the union that represents student workers at the University of California and the UC system have filed unfair labor practices charges against each other. We’ll get the latest news on the strikes and where bargaining stands.
Graduate Student Workers Strike for Higher Pay Across UC System
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Graduate student leaders at UC Berkeley demanding a cost of living adjustment (COLA) at Sproul Plaza on February 21, 2020. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)
Guests:
Nick Ibarra, reporter, Santa Cruz Sentinel
Garrett Strain, graduate student, UC Berkeley; recording secretary, UAW Local 2865
Stefan Yong, graduate student, UC Santa Cruz
Claire Holmes, senior vice president of external relations and communications, University of California Office of the President
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