UAW Graduate Student Strike April 2nd and 3rd

The message from UAW  (posted on the ucaft.org) provides a detailed explanation of the stonewalling UAW is experiencing at the bargaining table, and also instances of illegal intimidation by UC administrators.

Finally, you can show your support for graduate student instructors, readers and graders by delivering a very brief class rap on the first day of classes after spring break.  Below are the key points:

• UAW is the union of graduate student instructors (T.A.s), readers and graders.  
• They are going on strike this week because the university is refusing to negotiate with them about their workload. UAW is attempting to negotiate controls on class sizes in order to reduce their workload, and to help ensure high quality educational experience for undergraduates.The university has also illegally retaliated against and attempted to intimidate UAW members for participating in a solidarity strike with another campus union, AFSCME, earlier this year.
• I believe it is important for undergraduate students to understand these issues because graduate student workload directly affects the quality of your education.
• I want you to know that I will not penalize students who choose not to cross the picket lines on Thursday.  If you choose not to come to class, there will be no negative consequences for you.

20 Picketers Arrested at UC Santa Cruz on morning of April 2