A Guide for TAs, Course Assistants, GSIs, Readers, and Tutors
A strike is a coordinated stoppage of work aimed at pressuring an employer to meet worker demands. Strikes work because employers depend on the labor of their workers (us) to operate. TAs, GSIs, Readers, and Tutors teach the majority of the classes across the UC system and make up the vast majority of one-on-one interaction with students. We have the leverage to get our demands met: if we withhold grades and refuse to teach or do paid research we make it impossible for the UC to function normally.
What will the strike look like for ASEs?
First and foremost: withholding our labor. Stopping our work can take several forms. TAs, GSIs, Readers, and Tutors should not conduct classes, discussion sections, or office hours (on campus, online, or off campus), assign homework, grade assignments, or submit grades. Do not enter any new grades into Canvas or send students grades electronically.
Can I keep in contact with my students during the strike?
It is not necessary to cease all contact with our students: it is important that they understand what we are doing and why. Because our working conditions are their learning conditions, our students should be informed about what we’re doing in the broader struggle for a free Palestine. During the strike, we can educate them through teach-ins conducted outside of university channels and by inviting them to our picket line. We will not discuss or provide them course materials, assignments, grades, lessons, or perform any duties related to our paid work.
It’s hard to feel like you’re leaving your students behind for a while, but remember, our working conditions directly affect the quality of education we are able to give our students. Many of our students are currently participating in the Palestine solidarity encampment on our campus and other local and campus Palestine solidarity activism. Striking our labor is a way we can leverage our power as workers to support their demands and participate together in the movement for Palestinian liberation.
See Also:
Striking to Win as a Student Researcher
Strike explainer for tutors and readers
Strike FAQ for tutors and readers
FAQ about ULP Strikes for International Workers
- Talking with your students: Presentation talking points and slide deck; Email template to let them know you’re striking; Undergrad FAQs: Addressing your undergrads’ questions re: the end of the quarter (in progress / will be updated)