Update Re: Upcoming AFSCME Strike
July 12, 2008
Dear UAW 2865 Members:
We are writing with an update to the 7/11/08 e-mail that we sent out regarding the upcoming service worker strike. We have been informed that the Superior Court of California issued a temporary restraining order against AFSCME 3299, the union representing service workers. See a copy of the restraining order.
The University provided us with a copy of the court's order and takes the position that this strike is "illegal" and "sympathy strikers who support an unlawful strike are engaged in an unprotected and unlawful activity" and are subject to discipline. See the University's letters dated July 11, 2008 and July 10, 2008.
In contrast, AFSCME 3299 takes the position that the strike is lawful and plans to carry out the strike July 14-18, 2008: "There is nothing in the judge's order that prevents us from striking after having provided the exact dates of the strike. In addition, the union believes the injunction is an unlawful denial of our Constitutional and statutory right to strike, which we are fighting in court." Information from AFSCME regarding the right to strike is available on their website and on our website.
Please be aware that if the strike is deemed unlawful, the protections of our contract will not apply. If you have questions, please contact us by calling 510.549.3863.
We continue to stand in solidarity with the service workers at UC and hope the University bargains in good faith so they can reach a fair agreement that affords service workers the wages and benefits that they both need and deserve.
There are a number of things you can do to support AFSCME which carry no risk of discipline. These include going to the picket line, participating in rallies, and sending letters in support of AFSCME workers to UC administrators. See more information.
In solidarity,
UAW Local 2865 Executive Board
Christine Petit, President
Daraka Larimore-Hall, Northern Vice President
Coral Wheeler, Southern Vice President
Sara Kirker, Financial Secretary
Cassandra Engeman, Recording Secretary
Marco Chiodaroli, Trustee
Laura Henry, Trustee
Hugh Dauffenbach, Sergeant at Arms
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