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AFSCME went on stike today at UCSD and at all UC Campuses Across the state. UPTE, UAW came out to the support rallies. UPTE's contract says that they are entitled to strike in support, so as to not cross the picket lines. Many UAW teaching assistants are not working today. Some professors have cancelled their classes today. Some UPTE workers did not go to work as well.
The UCSD administration sent out a threatening email saying that the strike is illegal and that UPTE can't strike. Some workers were intimidated by this email and they did go to work. The AFSCME strike is for a 24 hour period. The university tried to find scab worker replacements for the day, but they were having trouble getting people to do that.
Service workers are janitorial, bus drivers, and many others.
Campus spending hundreds of millions of dollars uc wide. but they refuse 5% raise.
About 1000 workers on strike at ucsd. about 300 people at 4pm solidarity rally. Students spoke about how they appreciate the work being done by the service workers and how they feel in solidarity with them. union reps spoke at the rally as well.
People are upbeat about the strike having an effect on the negotiations. They want to send a message to the administrators that they're going to do what it takes to get a living wage. People are marching down one of the major streets in UCSD. Energy level is high. There are about 300 people there.
Corporate media presence is very light. Up to 6 officers were seen at campus rally, close to attendees.
Listen to the radio coverage here:
 http://radio.indymedia.org/news/2005/04/4436.php
Indymedia US Coverage:
http://www.indymedia.us
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