UC-AFT librarians kick off their new contract talks
This week UC-AFT librarians kicked off new contract talks with UC management, intent on building on their successful contract campaign four years ago. Core issues at the table for UC-AFT members include stronger protections against discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, disability, and gender identity; better wages to ensure librarians are adequately compensated for all of the work they do to advance scholarship, research, and teaching at their universities; and protections against increases in workload caused by chronic understaffing to prevent reductions in library services.
“UC libraries are some of the best in the world, and librarians are critical to their success. We build collections, make knowledge accessible, curate and preserve rare material, teach students how to research and think critically about information resources, describe library material so that people can find what they need, and maintain the digital infrastructure that allows it all to happen seamlessly,” said UC-AFT chief Negotiator Kendra Levine in an opening statement to UC management. “Librarians are central to the success of the University: we ensure that our libraries contribute to the UC’s academic mission with expertise, care, and rigor.”
Show your support for UC-AFT librarians by signing this petition. Follow UC-AFT on Twitter and on Instagram for the latest updates. Pictured above: UC-AFT's fearless librarian table team checking in from the first day of bargaining in San Diego!
Rally for worker rights November 15 in SF during APEC summit
As CEO’s and billionaires gather for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco next week, the San Francisco Labor Council and community allies will gather in Union square on Wednesday, November 15 at 4:00 p.m. to demand CEOs stop union busting in our communities.
At the rally Labor will demand corporations stop fighting unions while their CEO’s take home billions, and that working people be centered in negotiations and trade deals, including strong and enforceable labor standards that treat workers with respect and dignity, recognizing their right to a union of their choice.
In Solidarity
Strike ends as SAG-AFTRA settles historic contract. Congratulations to the members of SAG-AFTRA who held the line for 118 days, and successfully won a contract with the major Hollywood studios that includes wage increases, protections from the threat of AI, bonuses for streaming, and raised pension and health caps. Like the writers guild before them, the actors stood up to corporate studios and won!
Teamsters to hold one day strike at CSU campuses, as faculty authorize a strike. Members of Teamsters Local 2010 will hold a one-day Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) strike at California State University campuses across the state on Tuesday, November 14 to protest CSU’s refusal to negotiate a new contract for the 1,100 workers. Click here for time and location of picket lines, and for information on how you can support them. On October 13, the California Faculty Association announced that its members had overwhelmingly authorized a strike at the 23 CSU campuses to secure a deal that addresses systemic issues like low pay, large class sizes, and lack of mental health counseling access for students. More details here.
Happy Veterans Day!
This weekend we honor all those who serve in the military. Thank you for your service to our country! Happy Veterans Day to all.
