I don’t think it’s an understatement to say that 2023-24 has been a tumultuous academic year for many, and I sincerely hope that every UC-AFT member has a chance to get some rest in this summer. Emails from me will be less frequent this summer, but I’ll be sending updates and announcements to keep us all connected. This week’s email includes updates about grades and student evaluations, as well as information about how our momentum will continue through the summer with librarian bargaining and a “Summer Summit” where members and activists can get involved in our organizing efforts.
This is a crucial time for all American workers. We are seeing employers going around PERB and the NLRB to undermine workers’ rights. Now more than ever, what we win will be based on the collective power we build. I hope every UC-AFT member will consider stepping up and speaking up to help grow our union!
In solidarity,
Katie
Katie Rodger, PhD (she/her/hers)
Lecturer, UC Davis
President, UC-AFT
ucaft.org | Twitter: @UCAFT | Instagram: @uc_aft | uclibrarians.org
Updated Strike Guidance: Grades, Student Evaluations, and Supporting Our Members
Spring term classes and final exams have now ended on all UC campuses, but there are some UC-AFT teaching faculty members who may still be unable to submit their grades. We have updated our Know Your Rights doc with information about TAs “working-to-rule” and how that could impact faculty. But most importantly, we emphasize that if any UC-AFT member has questions or concerns about finishing grades, they should contact us via chapter leaders or staff. We are here to support anyone who needs help navigating the end of the term.
Last week, UC-AFT submitted a Demand to Bargain to UCOP to negotiate over student evaluations for spring. As we did in 2022, we will fight for the right of our members to opt to remove student evaluations for this term from their next reappointment or merit review. If yo have questions about this, please reach out.
Though the term is ending, the effects of campus violence this spring are not over, and UC-AFT will not stop supporting our members. While last week the City Attorney of San Diego declined to file charges against those arrested at UCSD on May 6, students and UC-AFT members who were arrested at UCLA, UCI, and UCSC are still dealing with the legal system and their respective campus administrations. We will continue to support individuals who were arrested, but also to fight more broadly to ensure our campuses are safe and our rights are protected in our workplaces.
Summer Heat: Librarian Bargaining and UC-AFT’s Summer Summit
While our campuses are quieter during the summer, we will continue to make some noise in support of UC-AFT librarians as they ramp up pressure for raises and big contract wins. Keep an eye on your email for upcoming information about bargaining sessions. Let’s pack the zoom room to show solidarity!
We have seen many new UC-AFT members and activists stepping up to get involved this year, and we want to continue that momentum! In August, we’ll hold our first UC-AFT “Summer Summit,” which will provide an opportunity for new and veteran activists to connect as we set priorities and gain momentum around the issues that matter most: workload, pay, bargaining, safety, political education, and more. The goal of this summit is to build our power by increasing participation in our union!
UC-AFT Member Organizer Program 2024-25
We are looking to hire member organizers for next year. These folks would have experience and interest in growing UC-AFT’s power via growing our membership. See the full call here and email us with any questions or your interest.
