Labor

University leadership says the “necessary decision” came after main entrance blockades started Tuesday. It’s the latest escalation in the fight for UC divestment from military contractors involved in Israel’s attacks on Gaza.

Students who formed an encampment in support of Palestine at UC Santa Cruz escalated their protests on Tuesday. They blocked both entrances to the University, preventing traffic from moving on or off of campus.

It's the third strike at UC Santa Cruz in five years. Their union, UAW 4811, argues that the university has violated free speech. The action is distinct from the encampment on campus in solidarity with Palestine, but shares similar demands.

California has passed several laws in the last few decades that make college more accessible for undocumented residents. But once these students graduate, they’re on their own.

Construction companies led by the same man, Rafael Rivas, owed more than $16 million in unpaid wages and penalties issued by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office. But the agency had collected just 2% as of last month.

Student assistants work part-time jobs across the system’s 23 campuses, including CSU Monterey Bay. They’re currently capped at 20 hours a week and had no paid sick leave before a California law that took effect in 2024.

The union said over 76% of voting California Faculty Association members were in favor. Once approved by CSU trustees, the updated contract will apply across all campuses, including CSU Monterey Bay.

While salary was a sticking point in negotiations, the tentative agreement falls short of the union's consistent 12% ask for the 2023-24 school year.

Faculty at all 23 California State University campuses plan to strike after rejecting the university’s final offer of a 5% salary increase.

After months of negotiations, university officials offer a 5% pay raise. The union is seeking 12% and plans to strike at the end of January.