UC strike moves to private negotiations

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif.– The University of California college system has entered into private mediation with the United Auto Workers as the statewide strike of college employees nears a month.

The UC Office of the President says the move to private mediation is top help both parties overcome recent negotiation gridlock.

During mediation, neither parties will be able to speak publicly about the negotiations, the opposite of the last few weeks of the strike. University of California employees from Teacher Assitants to graduate student employees, workers across the state have been on strike demanding higher wages and proper benefits.

“The University is pleased that the UAW has agreed to neutral private mediation so that we may resolve our differences and end the strike that has been impacting our students, faculty, and staff,” said Letitia Silas, executive director of systemwide labor relations. “We remain committed to securing a fair and reasonable contract with the union that honors the hard work of our valued graduate student employees. With the help of a neutral mediator, we hope to secure that agreement quickly.”

Read the full UC Office of the President statement here.