University of California's Legal Actions Against UAW 4811 Strikes Raise Questions on Labor Rights

A number of labor unions have supported pro-Palestinian protesters on college campuses, but UAW 4811's actions have garnered the most national attention due to the prominence of the University of California and its strong response. Representing academic and graduate student researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and student employees, UAW 4811 is not negotiating on behalf of protesters but is urging the University of California to engage in good-faith negotiations with them. Last week, the University sued UAW 4811 in Orange County Superior Court for a temporary restraining order to halt the strikes, citing a no-strike provision in the union’s collective bargaining agreement. The court approved the temporary restraining order, and the University emphasized that the strike violated the union's agreements and established labor principles.

Despite the court ruling, UAW 4811 announced it would continue its efforts, calling the University's legal action an attempt to avoid accountability. The University of California had previously sought intervention to stop the strikes, arguing they would harm students and stall academic research. The state’s employment relations board denied the University's request to intervene but issued an unfair labor practice charge against UAW 4811. The University plans to continue pursuing its unfair labor practice charge to protect labor peace across the system.