UPDATE: UC Davis to Discipline Striking Workers

UC Davis officials said on Monday that the strike against the UC system is illegal and they will enforce disciplinary measures in accordance with the law against the striking employees as necessary.

UC Davis employees walked off their jobs early Monday in a dispute over wages, demonstrating at several sites, including UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.

Hundreds of picketers demonstrated in front of the Medical Center, holding signs, chanting and urging passing motorists to honk their vehicle horns in support.

Some demonstrators did not seem too concerned about the threat of disciplinary actions for not showing up for work.

For another report on the strike, see gocalifornia.blogspot.com/2008/07/uc-workers-hit-picket-line-in-several.html

UC Workers Hit the Picket Line in Several Locations

Some 600 union workers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) medical and campus facilities went on strike Monday.

Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees walked off their jobs in San Diego, Los Angeles, Irvine, Riverside and other cities across the state. Combined, the union represents approximately 8,500 employees within the University of California system. The 600 service workers on strike in San Diego County include custodians and food-preparation workers at hospital or university facilities.

The AFL-CIO affiliate and the UC system have been at odds since the spring over wage levels.

A judge in San Francisco last week said the walkout would irreparably harm UC patients, faculty and students, and banned the strike until the union gave adequate notice. Union officials said they consider the judge's order invalid.

Editor's Take: While the workers have a right to strike, especially in these challenging economic times, the workers should be thankful they have jobs. We're sure there are many people in the local communities who would be happy to fill those jobs. Strike if you must, but don't cry to the public if your job is not there for you down the road.