The University of California released a public statement of support following the California State Senate Standing Committee’s Sept. 11 decision to not advance Assembly Constitutional Amendment 6.

“The University of California thanks the committee for not advancing ACA 6 [Assembly Constitutional Amendment 6], which would have treated the University of California differently from every other academic institution, whether public or private,” the statement read. 

ACA 6 would require employees under the UC to be held to basic state labor standards such as equal pay standards, occupational safety and health standards, minimum wage and paid leave. It would also press severe limitations on the UC system’s ability to contract for services.

The UC is exempt from many basic state labor standards due to its status as a public trust, established in 1879 by Section 9 of Article IX of the California State Constitution at a time when basic state labor standards were not in place. 

“The University of California is a proud union employer, and we take our responsibility to our employees seriously,” the statement continued. “As part of the University of California’s public mission, we aim to unlock doors of economic opportunity.”

The amendment is up for reconsideration by the State Senate.

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Sindhu Ananthavel
Sindhu Ananthavel (she/they) is the Lead News Editor for the 2023-24 school year. Previously, Ananthavel was the Deputy News Editor for the 2022-23 school year, the Community Outreach News Editor for the 2021-22 school year and an assistant news editor for the 2021-22 school year. She can be reached at news@dailynexus.com.