UC Irvine post-doc students, assistants and researchers rally to demand ‘fair workplace’

In a scene Tuesday on the UC Irvine campus, graduate-level students who are employed on campus rallied to raise awareness of issues they say are key in bargaining talks currently taking place between union representatives and the college.

Members of UC Student Workers Union and Student Researchers United — which represent post-doctoral students, student researchers and teaching assistants — staged demonstrations across multiple University of California campuses to protest low wages and call for policy changes.

Security guards stand facing the west entrance to Aldrich Hall as demonstrators protest in a “Demand a Fair Workplace Rally” Tuesday at UC Irvine.

(Kevin Chang / Staff Photographer)

At the Irvine campus, those affiliated with the various local chapters currently engaged in contract negotiations with school officials held a “Demand a Fair Workplace Rally” to protest what they called an “anti-worker agenda” focused on keeping wages low and failing to meet workers’ access needs.

Participating employees, meanwhile, are seeking to eliminate rent burden and create an inclusive and safe workplace for all, while fighting racism on the job and climate change. Protesters convened Tuesday at Aldrich Hall, while a small contingent of UCI staff and security personnel watched from inside the building.

“Since bargaining began with UAW 5810 (Postdocs), UAW 2865, and SRU, the UC has shown no interest in making these necessary changes,” read an online post inviting participation. “But by showing them that 48,000 workers are united and ready to fight, we can change.”

Members of the UC Student Workers Union and Student Researchers United held rallies on multiple UC campuses Tuesday, including UC Irvine.

(Kevin Chang / Staff Photographer)

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