Preuss School Teachers Union Strikes at UC San Diego, Students Left in the Middle of Disruption
Teachers at The Preuss School UC San Diego launched a two-day strike recently, ordered by the University Council-American Federation of Teachers (UC-AFT) union bosses. The walkout led to canceled classes and disrupted learning, leaving many students and families scrambling to adjust to the sudden loss of instruction.
According to reports, teachers represented by their union walked off the job to press for better pay and working conditions. While union officials framed the strike as necessary to win improvements, the action came at a time when students were expecting normal classroom learning, forcing parents to make last-minute changes to childcare and study plans.
The strike highlights a broader tension between union demands and the day-to-day needs of students. As teachers picketed, students were left without instruction, and the rhythm of the school week was upended.
UC San Diego officials acknowledged the strike and said they remain committed to continuing negotiations with teacher representatives in hopes of reaching a contract agreement that addresses concerns from both sides.
Amid all the disruption, it’s important for teachers and staff to understand their rights—especially during union-organized strikes. While union bosses can order strikes, participation in such actions is not mandatory. Union members who choose not to walk out may face penalties from the union itself, such as fines, but these consequences come from the union, not the employer.
Because The Preuss School is part of the University of California, and teachers are public-sector employees, they are protected by Janus rights. Under Janus, public employees may resign their union membership and stop paying dues at any time, which also frees them from being compelled to follow union strike directives or political actions they do not support.
Even during strikes, teachers and staff still have choices about how they participate, and knowing those rights is essential for educators trying to balance advocacy with their professional responsibilities to students.
For more information on your rights as an employee regarding unions, visit Know Your Rights.
Sources: NBC 7 San Diego, FOX 5 San Diego
