Notice of UAW Strike Beginning Monday
Dear Students:
We are writing to let you know about a strike scheduled to begin on Monday, Nov. 14 that has the potential to significantly impact academics at UCLA, possibly for an extended period.
Academic appointees across the UC system associated with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union — including postdoctoral scholars, academic researchers, academic student employees (ASEs) and graduate student researchers (GSRs) — recently declared their intention to initiate a strike of indefinite duration this coming Monday. During the strike, those participating might cease aspects of their work including teaching, grading assignments, tutoring, conducting research, administering programs and other duties.
While we support the right of UAW members to engage in protected labor activities, it is important that UC maintain academic operations during the strike. Please read the student-focused FAQs below. We also provided guidance to instructors of record for continuing to support learning, maintaining research operations and mitigating other impacts of the strike.
The strike comes as the University of California and the UAW continue collective-bargaining negotiations for contracts covering workers in the four bargaining units. UC’s perspective is that the university has negotiated in good faith and has put forward proposals that are responsive to union concerns and place our compensation and benefits among the most substantial offered by any higher education institution. UC’s proposals may be reviewed on a UC website about the negotiations. University leaders recognize the immense contributions that all of these academic workers make to UC’s teaching and research mission, and hope that an agreement can be reached soon.
On-campus demonstrations related to this strike may take place in the coming weeks. Strikers are entitled to perform legally protected strike activities, including picketing near the exterior of campus property and entrances. Strike conduct that is unlawful includes, but is not limited to, blocking vehicles and/or persons from entering or leaving a property/facility; interfering with the regular operations of the campus; threatening violence; and physically attacking another.
We recognize this strike will have a significant impact on students and we are doing all we can to mitigate any major disruptions to instruction. We greatly appreciate your flexibility in these challenging circumstances.
Sincerely,
Darnell Hunt
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost
Monroe Gorden, Jr.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Adriana Galván
Dean of Undergraduate Education
Interim Vice Provost for Teaching
Susan L. Ettner
Dean of Graduate Education
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Q: What do I do if my instructor is not present at the start of class?
A: If instructors are not present 15 minutes after their classes’ scheduled start times, those classes will be considered canceled.
Q: How do I notify the university if my class was canceled? Do I need to let anyone know?
A: No, you don’t need to let anyone know. If you want to notify someone, we created an email address where you can do so if you choose: classes@ucla.edu
Q: Will final exams be canceled or postponed?
A: Final exams are expected to proceed as currently scheduled. Students should contact their instructors for more information.
Q: Will my grades be posted on time at the end of the quarter?
A: The deadline for posting fall quarter grades is Dec. 19, 2022, and as of now, instructors are expected to post grades by the deadline.
Q: Whom can I reach if I have additional questions?
A: Additional questions can be directed to strikeinfo@ucla.edu.