UAW Local 4811 voted to authorize a potential unfair‑labor‑practice strike covering roughly 40,000 academic workers across the University of California system. The union says the UC administration has violated bargaining rules and failed to address concerns raised during previous negotiations. UC officials dispute the allegations and say they remain committed to following established labor processes. A strike has not been scheduled, but the vote gives union leadership the authority to call one if talks break down.
See "UAW Authorizes Potential Unfair Labor Practice Strike, Putting 40,000 UC Workers — Including at UC Santa Barbara — on Notice", Ella Heydenfeldt, Santa Barbara Independent, February 18, 2026