October 15, 2020
Over the last few weeks Student Researchers at UC campuses across the state have been signing SRU / UAW union authorization cards to form a union so we can negotiate as equals with UC. Check out this video of Student Researchers signing the first authorization cards and hear about why they support forming a union.
One important reason that Student Researchers are forming this union is to win more rights for international students, and to have a greater voice in the political process. For example, recently the Department of Homeland Security proposed a rule that limits the time international students and scholars on F and J visas can stay in the US, and changes the rules around renewals. These rules are designed to add layers of bureaucracy to an already daunting and complicated process, discouraging international students and scholars from coming to study and work in the U.S.
We can use our collective power right now, by joining with already unionized academic employees in UAW to oppose this rule. Please write a comment to DHS here about how this rule would impact you as an international student, or in support of your international student colleagues. DHS is required to review every comment, and with enough participation we can prevent this rule from taking effect!
You can respond to this email with questions, or if you’d like to help sign up your friends and labmates with SRU / UAW authorization cards.
In solidarity,
Somchate Wasantwisut
Chemical & Environmental Engineering
UC Riverside