AFSCME announces open-ended strike
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3299 announced it will begin an open-ended strike on May 14. According to a press release, the union filed two Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs) against the University of California.
AFSCME 3299, which represents over 40,000 workers across the UC, has been negotiating its contract for over two years. Since then, the union has gone on strike five times.
The two ULPs accuse the UC of an “unlawful imposition” on health care cost increases and a “refusal” to negotiate housing benefits.
“UC workers deserve better than second-class treatment from UC. UC continues to break the law, making it impossible for workers to get the contract that they deserve,” the release read.
In early April, the UC revised its contract proposal, which included a 32% wage increase throughout the contract’s length and a 7.5% health care cap. In a press release, the UC said it was “disappointed” by AFSCME’s strike announcement.
“Given the progress, we believe an open-ended strike is unnecessary and risks disruption for patients, students, and campus operations,” the press release read.
As of April 21, the strike is still set to occur.
UC Davis student dies following bike collision
Lincoln Sabini, a UC Davis student, died after a bike collision with a car near campus housing on April 13. An investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
According to the California Aggie, the collision occurred just before 3 p.m. Sabini was an agricultural student and a laboratory aide, according to his LinkedIn.
The University issued a statement the following day with counseling resources for community members.
“Our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends and all who are affected by this tragic loss,” the statement read.
Historical Native American remains found at UC Berkeley construction site
Historical remains of Native American individuals were found at a construction site at UC Berkeley on April 15. According to the Daily Californian, the Alameda County coroner’s office determined the remains are not connected to a crime.
The remains were found while building a beach volleyball court. The next day, a university spokesperson said UC Berkeley’s Governmental and Community Relations office is coordinating with the California Native American Heritage Commission for the ensuing steps.
Since then, it was announced that the Confederated Villages of Lisjan will work with the University to care for the remains.
A version of this article appeared on p.2 of the April 23 print edition of the Daily Nexus.
