October 27, 2021
BREAKING – Last night, the Student Researchers United-UAW Statewide Organizing Committee voted to begin a Strike Authorization Vote (SAV). The vote will begin Wednesday November 10th at 9AM and conclude Friday November 19th at 9PM.
After months of delays and excuses, SRs will no longer accept UC administration’s stubborn refusal to recognize our union despite a supermajority of SRs democratically choosing to form SRU-UAW. It is clear that reason alone won’t persuade them; it is time to confront them with the power of thousands of organized Student Researchers.
Authorizing a strike does not necessarily mean a strike will happen – UC could agree to recognize SRU-UAW at any time. SRs at all 10 campuses and LBL will be hosting campuswide strike vote organizing meetings at which they will elect strike committee members. These committee members will make the decision about if and when to call a strike (if authorized by two-thirds of voting SRs) should UC continue to refuse recognition of SRU-UAW. You can find answers to other questions you may have in this FAQ.
Details for campus meetings can be found here.
Anyone currently working as a Student Researcher or who will soon be working as a Student Researcher can participate in the vote. Voting will be online.
In solidarity,
Kat Dale
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
UC Santa Cruz
Ximena Anleu Gil
Department of Plant Biology
UC Davis
P.S. – Tomorrow, SRs across the state are rallying jointly with Postdocs at noon to demand recognition for SRU-UAW and for a fair contract for Postdocs. RSVP here, and bring your friends and labmates!