Speaks out

AFSCME, the union that represents most UCLA staff, plans to
strike unless the university agrees to renegotiate its contract. Do
you think the strike is a good idea? Will it be effective?
Jeff Peoples Fourth-year, philosophy “Well,
I think I could survive one day without those workers, and if it
could help them get better pay then that’s fine with me …
it’s not going to hurt me if they get paid better, right? I
have no idea (if it will be effective).” Jennifer
Crowe Third-year, American literature and culture
“Strikes are very effective because they grab people’s
attention. … I’ve always believed that, if people want to
rise up against the man, then just go for it. … It gives people
power even if it doesn’t accomplish anything; just the unity
would be a good thing.” Armando Barragan Fourth-year,
psychology “Any form of unionized labor … is good
because it voices out what needs they have, and if their needs are
not met ““ not necessarily their wants, but actually the needs
that they need ““ I feel that they have every right to go on
strike based on that reason.” Adheesh Bhagat
Second-year, business and economics “There are
strikes … all the time at UCLA and from (what) I’ve seen,
not one of them has really brought about anything at all; I
don’t see why this should be any different. I support the
basis behind any strike if it’s for a valid purpose, but it
just brings about slowing down work.”