AFSCME 3299 STRIKE BRINGS ATTENTION TO WORKERS’ NEEDS

By Celine Littlejohn

Some of you may have received an email from your TA in foreign language class explaining how lessons for November 20 would be cancelled. They were cancelled in support of the UC-wide UC Workers’ Strike. UC Workers, students, and supporters rallied on Wednesday, November 20 in support of the AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) workers’ strike and the UAW 2865 (Academic Student Workers at UC) sympathy strike for workers.

Working without a contract for 18 months, seeing a decreased amount of pay, and working in harder conditions, especially in the case of someone being absent, workers have become fed up with the way UC administrators treat them. Both workers on UC campuses and at the UC medical care locations have complained about such conditions. More patients and more students paired with fewer workers have become a safety risk, which is an issue that must be addressed. In response to a strike held in May, higher-ups intimidated dozens of workers at the rally.

While the New University reports that picketing started at 6 a.m. and that there was marching earlier in the morning, the rally officially began at noon by the flagpoles in front of Aldrich Hall.

Some speakers explained, “Workers standing up for their rights and being intimidated is not right. [This is] not right for speaking out against their working conditions and that is why we are out here on this strike.”

Workers, UAW members, and ASUCI members spoke out in support of the workers. They explained how understaffing is putting patients at risk. This idea is not only inappropriate, but it is also dangerous for the health of the patients. There was also discussion that it is important for undergraduates to be present as well because, soon, they too will be in the workforce and have to deal with the world of unions and negotiations.

According to the New University, members of the Orange County Labor Federation were striking at the Medical Center as well.

“Get used to it now and start fighting,” one graduate student told the crowd.

In a UC world that survived the dramatic 32 percent fee increase in 2009, times are financially tough for the UCs. However, as one speaker put it, “They’re (administration) profiting from your parents’ salaries,” hinting that not one penny goes to students and workers.

“When there is no justice, there is no peace,” UCI student Alejandro Muro told the audience.

ASUCI Executive Vice President Melissa Gamble questioned why the administration keeps giving themselves bonuses—filling their deep pockets while so many workers and students are suffering. One speaker expressed her extreme dissatisfaction with administrators who, at the time, were texting as opposed to listening to the pleas and cries of the workers and students. Gamble suggested that the administrators spend a day in the workers’ shoes in order to grasp how hard it is for them.

“We’re not the ones who wrecked this economy! It’s their crisis! Make them pay” served as another battle cry for the supporters.

To much approval of the audience, freshman Alonso Castro performed an acoustic rendition of a song he wrote in support of the workers.

During an open mic session, more people expressed their support for the workers including a high school student from Santa Ana High School.

Shortly after, students and workers marched in solidarity through the streets and to Mesa Court holding picket signs, donning green shirts (for those who volunteered with the workers for at least two hours that day), noisemakers, and a large banner that declared: “AFSCME 3299: FIGHTING FOR OUR PATIENTS * STUDENTS * FUTURE.”

Chants outside the Student Center and through Mesa Court included: “UC, UC, you’re no good! Treat the workers like you should!” and “UC, escucha, estamos en la lucha,” which translates to “UC, listen, we are in the fight.” The march ended when supporters returned to Aldrich Hall.

[Source]: Incite Magazine UCI