Notice of Strike Vote and Resources for Instructors

Dear Colleagues:

The last several weeks have been among the most challenging our Bruin community has faced. We deeply appreciate the efforts you have made in maintaining academic continuity despite significant disruptions.

Academic appointees across the UC system represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 4811 — including postdoctoral scholars, academic researchers, academic student employees (ASEs) and graduate student researchers (GSRs) — voted on May 15, 2024 to authorize its executive board to call for a strike. During a potential strike, those participating might cease aspects of their work including teaching, grading assignments, tutoring, conducting research, administering programs and carrying out other duties.

The UAW states that this strike can take place due to alleged unfair labor practices connected to ongoing campus protests. The UC’s position is that it is an unlawful strike that would violate the terms of the collective bargaining agreements between the two parties, which include no-strike provisions.

It is important that UCLA maintain academic operations during a strike. We have created a new Strike Updates and Continuity Resources web page with helpful information and resources for you, including FAQs and guidance on instruction and research continuity. We will continue to update the site with pertinent information from UCOP and UCLA. You are encouraged to bookmark it and reference it regularly. Specific questions not addressed in the materials can be directed to StrikeInfo@ucla.edu.

Extended Office Hours: The Bruin Learn Center of Excellence (CoE) and the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) staff are available for live support with extended office hours from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 to 4 p.m. through the end of spring quarter. This service is designed to assist instructors in real-time with Bruin Learn, Zoom and other teaching-related questions. Visit CoE and TLC Office Hours for more details. UCLA’s Center for Education Innovation and Learning in the Sciences (CEILS) is available for one-on-one consultation. Additional opportunities for instructional support are available on the resource web page.

University employees in supervisory or managerial roles should refrain from engaging in conversations with union members about any aspects of the strike, including whether or not union members will engage in strike activities. It is also important that supervisors and managers avoid making statements condemning or praising individuals’ strike activities, and to refrain from dealing directly with union members in regard to negotiations or grievances. These guidelines apply to verbal and written communications, including postings on social media.

On-campus demonstrations related to this strike may take place in the coming days or weeks. Individuals are entitled to perform legally protected strike activities during non-work time, including picketing, near the exterior of campus property and campus entrances. Strike conduct that is unlawful includes, but is not limited to, blocking vehicles and/or persons from entering or leaving a property/facility/building; interfering with meetings, classes, research or other activities that are part of regular campus operational activities; threatening violence; vandalizing/defacing university property; and physical attacks.

Entering classrooms or other learning environments to disrupt learning activities and blocking access or egress from buildings are not permissible. If a class or lecture is disrupted by a group of individuals or specific event, please follow these steps:

NOTE: If the event poses a direct or imminent threat to life, safety or health, call 9-1-1 or UCPD Dispatch at (310) 825-1491. Otherwise, follow the steps below.

• DO NOT physically engage with individuals disrupting the classroom.
  
• Ask students not to engage with the disruptors (e.g. “Please do not encourage or interact with them.”)
  
• Calmly inform members of the group that they are being disruptive and must leave immediately.
  
• Explain that classrooms/lecture halls are not spaces that are open to the public and their presence is unauthorized.
  a. Tell them they are trespassing and may be subject to arrest (only as necessary).
  b. Tell them that if they do not leave, UCPD will be called (only as necessary).

• If the disruptor refuses to leave, call UCPD Dispatch at (310) 825-1491 for assistance. UCPD will then triage the call to the appropriate tiered response partner (e.g., Student Affairs, security personnel, etc.) based on the disruptor’s affiliation and/or nature of the incident. 9-1-1 should only be called in the case of emergency or direct/imminent threat to safety.

Thank you for your understanding and continued dedication to our teaching and research mission during this time of uncertainty.

Sincerely,

Darnell Hunt
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost

Adriana Galván
Dean of Undergraduate Education

Susan L. Ettner
Dean of Graduate Education

Roger M. Wakimoto
Vice Chancellor for Research & Creative Activities