Strike at UC Workers' Uprising

The article analyzes the tentative agreement reached between the University of California (UC) and the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 4811, representing 48,000 academic workers. It argues that the agreement, presented as a victory by the UAW, actually falls short of addressing the core demands of the workers, particularly regarding cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and protection against harassment and discrimination. The article criticizes the UAW leadership for pushing through a deal that does not adequately protect workers from rising housing costs and inflation, despite the UC system's substantial financial resources. It also highlights the lack of transparency in the bargaining process and the suppression of dissent within the union. The author contends that the agreement reinforces a two-tiered system, with some workers benefiting more than others. Furthermore, the piece connects the UAW's actions to a broader trend of trade union collaboration with the Democratic Party, which it sees as detrimental to the interests of the working class. It suggests that the struggle for better working conditions at UC requires a break from the established union structures and the Democratic Party, advocating for independent rank-and-file action to challenge the assault on the working class. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/04/04/qsut-a04.html