Strike-related Resources for Instructors

Dear Colleagues:

We are writing to share that academic appointees represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 4811 — including postdoctoral scholars, academic researchers, academic student employees (ASEs) and graduate student researchers (GSRs) — intend to begin a strike on May 28 at UCLA. During the strike, those participating might cease aspects of their employment including teaching, grading assignments, tutoring, conducting research, administering programs and carrying out other work 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 would be an unlawful strike that would violate the terms of the collective bargaining agreements between the two parties, which include no-strike provisions.

We want to ensure academic operations can continue during a strike and encourage you to refer to our Strike Updates and Continuity Resources web page. We will continue to update the site with pertinent information from UCOP and UCLA. Specific questions not addressed in the materials can be directed to StrikeInfo@ucla.edu.

University employees in supervisory or managerial roles, instructors of record and principal investigators 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, instructors of record and principal investigators 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 actions could be perceived as violating the UC’s position on neutrality, which could subject the Regents and individual managers and supervisors, instructors of record and principal investigators to unfair labor practice charges. These guidelines apply to verbal and written communications, including postings on social media.

On-campus demonstrations related to this strike may continue to take place beyond May 28. Individuals may picket near the exterior of campus property and campus entrances during non-work time. 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. Please refer to UCLA General Guidance for Handling Classroom Disruptions (PDF), also posted on the resources web page.

Thank you for your 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