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Updated: May 5, 2025 at 9AM
What is an unfair labor practice (ULP)?
Employers have a legal duty to bargain in good faith with their employees’ representative. This duty encompasses many obligations, including a duty not to make certain changes without bargaining with the union and not to bypass the union and deal directly with employees it represents. Per the National Labor Relations Board, failing to meet this legal duty is illegal and an unfair labor practice.
Why did we have a ULP strike authorization vote?
The University of San Diego (USD) broke labor laws when it failed to bargain with us over how course cuts would affect our union members in the current Spring semester.
We’ve filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) against the university over their unlawful behavior. Despite our ULP filing, the university has indicated its planning to cancel even more classes for the upcoming Fall semester. Like with the Spring 2025 courses, USD didn’t tell the Union about this and just directly informed NTT faculty members about the cancellations.
We’re concerned that the university will once again fail to bargain on this issue if we don’t deliver the message to USD that CAS NTT Faculty will not tolerate unlawful behavior.
What was the vote result?
CAS NTT Faculty overwhelmingly voted to authorize an escalation up to and including an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike with a more than 90% YES vote.
What does it mean to strike?
A strike means that you do not perform any work for the University for the duration of the strike. That means not teaching classes, not holding office hours, not prepping for class, not grading, not writing letters of recommendation, etc., whether on campus or somewhere else.
What is the date of the ULP strike?
Our BAT has called for a 2-day ULP strike. The ULP strike starts at 7 a.m. Wed., May 7, and will last until 9 p.m. on Thurs., May 8. We’re calling on all CAS NTT faculty members to withhold their labor for USD those days — meaning no holding or joining classes, offices hours, or meetings, and no sending emails, grading, or preparing for courses.
Where is the picket line?
Lines will be held Wed., May 7, and Thurs., May 8, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the east campus entrance at Linda Vista Road and Alcala Park Way.
Where can I sign up to walk the picket line?
Sign our strike commitment form here.
I’m scared about going out on strike. Can I get in trouble?
Any Unfair Labor Practice strike is legally protected activity.
SEIU 721 legal counsel will be fighting any retaliation.
Can I be replaced with temps if I participate in the ULP strike?
USD could only have other employees or temporary hires cover your work for the duration of the strike. Because this strike is a ULP strike protesting USD’s illegal conduct, rather than a purely economic strike, you cannot be permanently replaced. As soon as the Union calls to end the strike, you must be immediately reinstated.
Can I use sick or vacation time to go on a ULP strike?
No. You will have no legal protection if you call in sick or use vacation time and participate in the strike.
Will the union be providing financial assistance in the event of a ULP strike?
Financial assistance is not considered unless the strike is at least 7 days.