Instructional and Research Continuity in the Event of a UAW Strike

February 17, 2026

This message is distributed to Senate Faculty, Unit 18 Faculty, Academic Department Chairs & Deans, Academic Unit Directors, Academic Assistant Deans, Academic Business Officers & ASC Directors. (Click here to view description of distribution groups.)  

As you may be aware, UAW Local 4811 announced that a majority of its members across the UC system voted to authorize a strike.  The UAW represents Academic Student Employees (teaching assistants, teaching associates, readers, graders, and tutors/ULAs) and Graduate Student Researchers. In addition, UAW represents staff who provide student and research support; these include the Student Services and Advising Professionals unit and the Research and Public Service Professionals unit. These units comprise academic advisors, financial aid officers, admissions administrators, student services advisors, as well as grants and contracts administrators, among others.

The vote to authorize a strike does not mean that a strike will occur, but it is our responsibility to anticipate and plan for reduced instructional support and reduced access to advising and other important resources and services. To determine if a staff member is included in one of the bargaining units, you may check with the relevant department manager. Central offices (such as the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, the Office of Research, and the Office of Academic Personnel) may also assist as needed.

We encourage you to review the attached Strike FAQs prepared by the UC Office of the President.  These FAQs address a number of questions and concerns that you may have about potential work stoppages.  In addition, you can find important campus guidance and resources on instructional and research continuity, as well as up-to-date campus and systemwide information on the continuity and resources page on the EVCP website, here: https://evc.ucsb.edu/continuity. This includes information to assist Instructors of Record and Principal Investigators in understanding and fulfilling their supervisory duties and other responsibilities.

We will be monitoring the situation closely and communicating regularly as the situation evolves.  Any necessary adjustments or exceptions to administrative policies and deadlines will be shared. We also are consulting with the Academic Senate about relevant Senate policies.

Thank you for your cooperation. We all hope that a fair settlement will be reached, but we need to plan for potential interruptions in our core activities.