UC Academic Workers Strike Over Protest Crackdown and Free Speech Violations

Academic workers at UCLA and UC Davis have joined a strike initiated by United Auto Workers Local 4811, protesting the University of California's handling of pro-Palestinian protests and encampment crackdowns. The strike, which began at UC Santa Cruz, is disrupting classes and academic activities as workers demand protection of free speech, amnesty for participants, and divestment from companies profiting from Israel's actions in Gaza. The university's request to halt the strike was denied by the state labor board, and the strike is expected to expand to more campuses.