UCLA clerical, professional and technical workers protested in
front of Chancellor Albert Carnesale’s office Wednesday,
threatening to strike if their demands are not met.
Workers seek a pay increase and lower costs for on-campus
parking and health care.
While members of both unions that participated said they would
rather not strike, they said it may be necessary if bargaining
stalls.
“We don’t want to strike. We want to strike a
deal,” said Cliff Fried, president of the UCLA division of
the University Professional and Technical Employees union.
More than 50 protesters marched from Boelter Hall quad to the
chancellor’s office in Murphy Hall, disturbing classes while
chanting about the University of California’s alleged unfair
bargaining practices.
In Halloween tradition, the protesters gave Carnesale’s
office a bag of tricks and treats ““ a combination of candy
and complaints of university practices that harm workers.
Barbara Fergeson, a member of UCLA human resources speaking on
behalf of the university, said the protest was in good taste.
“They certainly have a right to rally and protest,”
Fergeson said. “The university does certainly look forward to
the next bargain session.”
But union members question whether the university is acting in
good faith.
“I’m tired of the UC jerking us around,” said
Lyn Kelly, a member of the Coalition of University Employees
““ the union representing clerical workers.
“The UC is trying to go to impasse,” Kelly
added.
If negotiations reach a point where neither side is willing to
make further concessions, an impasse is declared and the
negotiation goes to arbitration.
Members of the clericals’ union and the lecturers’
union have already held strikes at six UC campuses this school
year, with CUE protesting the university’s bargaining
tactics.
No strikes have occurred at UCLA, but both CUE and UPTE are
preparing to strike if necessary.
Kelly said clerical workers are currently voting on whether to
strike.
Union leadership would prefer to strike at the same time as
lecturers plan on striking, she added.
UPTE members have gone through a similar process. The
union’s negotiators have been authorized to call for a strike
if necessary, Fried said.
Fergeson said the university has received no indication a strike
will occur.
The university alleges any strike before negotiations have
concluded is a violation of state law.
Meanwhile, Kelly said that over 30 unfair labor practice
allegations have been filed against the university.
“If we go on strike that’s what the strike will be
about,” Kelly said.
One of the main union demands has been for increased
salaries.
Because of budget constraints, the university can only offer a
1.5 percent pay increase, Fergeson said.
Both unions want a larger raise.
Union leaders said the UC has other revenue sources that could
fund salaries, but Fergeson said these funds cannot be used for
salaries.
Despite the allegations made during bargaining, both sides said
they hope an agreement can be reached before strikes occur.