Over 48,000 California academics strike for higher wages

By Gozde Bayar

ANKARA (AA) - Over 48,000 academic staff in the University of California system have gone on strike over unfair labor practices and low wages.

The strike, which began on Monday, included researchers, postdoctoral scholars, teaching assistants, and other employees, launching what they describe as the largest academic worker strike in US history.

The University of California system, a network of 10 public universities and activities of 280,000 students are expected to come to a grinding halt due to the strike.

The strike takes place at a time of growing labor unrest in the US, as workers are under strain, especially due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Staff demand salaries of at least $54,000 a year for graduate-student employees, along with annual increases to deal with the rising cost of living.

They also called for increased job security, greater accessibility for staff with disabilities, and additional assistance for students with children.

The University of California said in a statement that "its offers are generous, responsive to union priorities, and recognize the many valuable contributions of these employees."