Campus Strike Action - May 7-10, 2018

May 4, 2018

Dear Colleagues:What’s happening?Strike action is planned on campus by several of our labor unions next week between Monday, May 7 and Thursday, May 10. This is part of a UC systemwide contract negotiation and strike.

How did we get here?Bargaining negotiations between the University and AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) for a new contract covering Service Unit employees (who provide custodial, transportation and related basic support services on campus) have concluded without coming to an agreed upon contract. Negotiations also continue with AFSCME on a contract for employees in the Patient Care Technical Unit. Meanwhile, the University and UPTE (University Professional & Technical Employees) are in negotiations over new contracts for employees in the Technical Unit, the Research Support Professional Unit and the Health Care Professional Unit. Negotiations are also in progress with the California Nurses Association for a new contract covering registered nurses.

The University has been informed of the following strike action:

  • AFSCME employees in the Service and Patient Care Technical units  - 4:00 am on Monday, May 7 through 4:00 am on Thursday, May 10

  • UPTE employees in the Technical, Research Support Professional, and Health Care Professional units - 4:00 am on Tuesday, May 8 through 4:00 am on Thursday, May 10

  • California Nurses Association Registered Nurses - 4:00 am on Tuesday, May 8 through 4:00 am on Thursday, May 10.

What can I expect on campus?Classes and finals will remain as scheduled, offices will be open, and the campus will provide normal or equivalent services. Faculty, staff, students, and visitors will likely encounter picket lines at some entrances to the campus and buildings. Please remember that the law protects the right of all individuals to cross picket lines. In all previous employee strikes on campus, picketers have been very committed to their point of view but respectful of the views of others. We anticipate that this will continue.  

The campus will experience some inconveniences, such as no stack parking and delayed deliveries. The Loop will continue to be available to students, faculty, and staff with disabilities. Night Safety shuttles will operate. Perimeter buses may not run, however, AC Transit has routes that traverse the campus. Information on the Loop and AC Transit can be found on the Parking and Transportation websiteThere will be no shuttle service to Campus Shared Services or the Richmond Field Station. Campus areas will be prioritized for custodial services.

Where are possible strike locations?
We understand that the possible strike locations include Bancroft Way and Telegraph Ave. 

What if I have additional questions?
Managers and supervisors with questions about the strike are encouraged to contact Labor Relations at labrel@berkeley.edu or (510) 643-6001. More information can be found on our HR website with FAQ’s for affected employees and managers/supervisors.

For facilities questions, please contact Facilities Services

For parking and transportation questions, contact Parking & Transportation

For up-to-date information about campus operations during the strike, please consult the UC Berkeley NewsCenter

We continue to be hopeful that the University and the unions will soon reach agreement on the issues outstanding between them.

Sincerely,

Marc and JoMarc Fisher, Vice Chancellor, AdministrationJo Mackness, Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor-HR

If you are a manager who supervises UC Berkeley employees without email access, please circulate this information to all.

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