The contract between the University of California and a union representing thousands of workers across the system is about to expire.
About 60 members and supporters of University Professional and Technical Employees CWA Local 9119 (UPTE) gathered on the UC Santa Cruz campus Thursday afternoon. They were there to rally in support of an impending strike authorization vote. UPTE represents 19,000 healthcare, technical, and research workers UC-wide, including 238 at UCSC.
Contract negotiations have been underway for nearly five months, and this week marks the final bargaining session — held at UCSC — before the contract expires…