Service and patient care workers across all University of California campuses have announced a three-day strike, May 7-9, 2018. Negotiations between AFSCME local 3299 and the UC reached an impasse after more than a year of negotiation. The university then imposed its “last, best offer,” which the union says included cuts to pay and benefits.
What could happen to strikers at UC? The statute that regulates collective bargaining at UC, HEERA, is copied in many parts from federal labor law. However, unlike federal law, HEERA does not protect “concerted activity” by employees including faculty. Since Yudof et al say furloughs can’t be on teaching days, and since concerted activity is not explicitly protected, there is an interesting question of what action could be taken against faculty who “strike” on Sept. 24 if they happen to be scheduled to teach or who otherwise take furlough days on teaching days. Who knows the answer? Walkout called over…
