Judge orders University of California workers to pause strike over Israel-Hamas war

A California judge has ordered thousands of University of California employees to suspend a strike over the war between Israel and Hamas.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Randall J. Sherman issued The preliminary injunction was issued Friday, just days after the University of California (UC) filed a lawsuit against UAW 4811, the union representing 48,000 university faculty and graduate students, arguing that the school system would “suffer irreparable harm” if the strike continued.

In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, the University of California accused the union of violating its contract and “endangering” research being conducted in the university’s labs. The union fired back, saying the university was avoiding “accountability” for its actions.

“We are extremely grateful that the strike has been suspended to allow students to complete their studies. The strike could have caused irreparable setbacks to students’ academic progress and stalled important final quarter research projects,” UC Vice Chancellor for Labor Relations Melissa Matera said in response to the ruling.

UAW 4811 represents more than 48,000 graduate students working in a variety of positions, including lecturers, researchers, teaching assistants, etc. The union began the strike in Santa Cruz on May 20. It has since expanded to the University of California campuses in Los Angeles, Davis, Santa Barbara, Irvine and San Diego.

Union members had previously said their free speech had been stifled when school authorities asked police to forcibly remove a pro-Palestinian encampment.
UAW 4811 Said On Friday night, the president said the “fight” was not over yet, saying “the law is on our side and we are ready to continue defending our rights.”