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GSI strike: Information for UC Berkeley managers and supervisors

This information helps department chairs, managers, and supervisors answer questions from employees and students about the Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) strike and related issues. The GSI are represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW).

1. Responding to Employee Inquiries About the Strike

As a manager or supervisor you can provide employees with information prepared by the campus. This information may be particularly helpful for employees who are trying to decide whether or not to participate in the strike. You can also advise employees that it is the university’s position that they should not strike and should meet their work obligations.

2. Don’t Guess

If you are asked a question that you can’t answer, don’t guess. Tell the employee that you will get an answer as soon as possible, and make sure you do respond to the employee promptly. Refer your employees to the UC Berkeley NewsCenter for information. You can also contact Labor Relations at 642-0429.

3. Advising Non-Striking Employees Who Want to Come to Work

The law protects the right of all employees to cross a picket line to come to work.

4. Handling New Requests for Vacation Time

If you are concerned about your ability to cover the needs of your unit, you will want to put any new vacation leave requests on hold.

5. Handling Already-Approved Vacations and Leaves

In general, it is better to allow employees to take already-approved vacations and leaves if your operational needs will not be seriously disrupted. If, however, your operational needs require it, discuss with employees the possibility of rescheduling vacations or leaves.

6. Sick Leave

If new requests are made for sick leave for the day of the strike, departments are justified in asking employees to provide medical verification. If you do ask for medical verification of sick leave, you must ask for it at the time the sick leave is requested. Contact Employee Relations in the Office of Human Resources if you have questions about how to request sick leave verification for staff employees; contact the Academic Personnel Office regarding questions about sick leave requests for academic appointees.

7. What Non-Striking Employees Should Know About Crossing Picket Lines

Pickets are lawful as long as they are peaceful, do not interfere with the normal course of business, and do not prohibit non-striking employees from coming to work. Non-striking employees should avoid confrontations and should not respond to comments that picketers may direct at them. Non-striking employees should not invite or engage in any exchanges, which might inflame the situation.

8. Media Inquiries

All media inquiries should be directed to Public Affairs, 510/642-3734.

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