SEIU Officials Order Faculty Strike at University of San Diego, Disrupting Students Ahead of Graduation
Union officials with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) ordered non-tenure track faculty at the University of San Diego (USD) to strike just weeks before final exams and graduation. The walkout has caused significant disruptions for students, including those with scholarships, visa requirements, or pending graduation deadlines.
The university has continued negotiating in good faith and previously stated that the union’s salary and benefits demands would cost more than $6.5 million—a financial burden that could have ripple effects across campus budgets and student services.
The College is for the Students
“While USD respects employees’ rights to free speech and assembly,” said university spokesperson Elena Gomez, “the university also has a responsibility to ensure students can complete coursework and maintain their academic standing, especially those who are graduating soon or have scholarships or other visa requirements.”
Despite the administration’s commitment to finding a resolution that works for everyone, union bosses chose to disrupt students’ education by initiating a strike that puts their academic futures at risk.
You Cannot be Forced to Strike
As is often the case with union-ordered strikes, workers may feel pressure to walk out even if they disagree with the tactic. But it’s important to remember: no educator is required to participate in a strike. Thanks to the Janus v. AFSCME decision, public employees have the constitutional right to resign their union membership at any time and stop funding union activities they do not support.
Faculty and staff who wish to continue teaching and serving students are fully within their rights to do so—without fear of retaliation from union officials. The real priority should remain on protecting students’ access to the education they’ve worked hard to earn.
Source: KPBS
For more information on your rights as an employee regarding unions, visit Know Your Rights.
