When the University of California decided to play hardball with its frontline workers, things got real quick. On May 15, more than 20 labor leaders and UC workers basically said “enough is enough” and staged a protest that ended with some serious mic-drop moments - and a few zip-tied wrists.

The Protest That Shook Mission Bay

Picture this: 200 workers dressed in black shirts reading “Respect UC’s frontline workers” swarming the UC Board of Regents meeting, chanting “Who runs UC? We run UC!” Spoiler alert: They were NOT here to play nice. Liz Perlman from AFSCME 3299, who was among those arrested, didn’t mince words about why they were fighting.

Wage Gaps and Worker Burnout

The workers weren’t just protesting for fun. They’re facing serious issues like massive pay disparities - we’re talking a whopping 32% difference between campus and hospital social workers. Robyn Miles, a clinical social worker, highlighted how chronic understaffing isn’t just bad for employees, but potentially dangerous for patients.

The UC’s Response

The university’s response? A classic bureaucratic “we support free speech, but…”. Meanwhile, they’re sitting on $28 billion in liquid capital and claiming potential funding cuts as an excuse to lowball their workers. Dan Russell from UPTE Local 9119 wasn’t having it, calling out the board for arresting peaceful protesters instead of addressing systemic labor issues.

Bottom line: These workers - who are predominantly women of color keeping critical services running - are demanding the respect they deserve. And they’re not backing down anytime soon.