On April 14, staff and students at the University of California held a statewide 1-day strike. The strike effected campuses throughout the UC system (Picket Info for all campuses), including UCSF, UC Santa Cruz, UC Davis, and UC Berkeley.

In Berkeley, over a thousand labor activists, staff and workers engaged in flying pickets and rallies all day culminating in a rally in front of International House where Robert Birgeneau was being sworn in as chancellor. Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
The union that called for the strike in Berkeley, AFSCME Local 3299, represents service workers, who are among the lowest paid workers on campus. The union is struggling for a fair contract and for workers' (especially immigrant workers') rights. A recent report issued by the National Economic Development and Law Center found that 46% of UC service workers earned wages to low to support a family. It also found UC workers earning much less than workers at California State University (CSU) and many community colleges. Supporters are asking for students, faculty, and other staff to show solidarity with campus workers by not crossing the picket lines on April 14th.

In Santa Cruz, workers and students gathered starting as early as 4:30 AM to set up a strike line at the Base Entrance to UCSC. As more community members arrived groups set up a precence at the West Gate as well, letting arriving students, staff, workers, and visitors know that AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and CUE (Coalition of University Employees) among others were on strike for better wages and working conditions at the University. More than a thousand people took part in shutting UC Santa Cruz for the entire day.
Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | Audio: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Video: 1

In San Diego, around 1000 workers went on strike at UCSD. At 4pm, several hundred protesters gathered for a solidarity rally. Students spoke about how they appreciate the work being done by the service workers and how they feel in solidarity with them. Union reps spoke at the rally as well. Read More

In Santa Barbara AFSCME Local 3299 was joined by CUE, students, faculty and more for a strike demanding livable wages and respect. Read More