Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Labor And Unions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Unions tell UC Regents: do not settle federal demands; lawsuit filed
Summary
Union leaders told the Regents they have filed a federal lawsuit and urged the University of California not to settle with the federal government or accept restrictions that would curb workers’ rights, citing recent bargaining and threats to jobs and free speech.
Union leaders used the public‑comment period at the University of California Board of Regents meeting to announce a systemwide lawsuit against the federal government and to press the board to reject any settlement that would limit workers’ rights.
Jason Rabinowitz, secretary‑treasurer of Teamsters Local 2010, said bargaining began “just yesterday” and described a multi‑union legal challenge filed “yesterday” to resist federal demands. “We call on the university to stand up with us to these attacks. Do not capitulate,” Rabinowitz told the Regents.
Catherine Cobb, president of Teamsters Local 2010, said the administration’s actions amount to attempts “to hold crucial funds hostage” and again urged the UC to fight the federal government in court rather than reach a settlement. “A settlement with [the] Trump administration would represent a failure of courage and leadership at the UC,” Cobb said.
Other campus employees described financial strain and rising health‑care costs as bargaining talks begin. Diana Sahar, a UCI Law Library employee, said proposals to remove guarantees of lifetime health care and to replace plans with uncapped premiums and “a measly $100 a month” stipend would leave long‑tenured staff unable to afford care.
The board did not take a formal vote or announce a change in negotiating stance during the open session. Regents heard multiple labor speakers across the public‑comment period urging system leadership to resist federal demands and to prioritize staff pay and benefits. The meeting then recessed to closed session, where bargaining strategy and legal matters are typically discussed.
