FAQ on UC Graduation Speakers Boycott

Why has a boycott been called?

Workers of AFSCME 3299 have called for a graduation speakers boycott after University of California administration implemented devastating cuts to low-wage workers. Cuts have taken the form of layoffs, reduction in hours, and in some cases, outsourcing jobs altogether. These cuts have resulted in reductions in pay of anywhere from 4 to 20 percent. This is particularly devastating for low-wage workers and their families – with some families being forced out of their homes. Furthermore, this is not a short-term problem – UC has also announced plans to implement major cuts to workers’ retirement benefits. The decision to boycott graduations was not taken lightly. It comes after unions and student organizations have presented carefully researched budget alternatives and have held numerous meetings with administrators and Regents.

Aren’t these cuts necessary?

While UC’s funding has been cut, the problem has been exacerbated by UC executives’ misplaced priorities. According to UC executives, cutting low-wage workers at UC saves $7 million. Yet UC Regents have approved over $9 million in executive increases since the cuts were decided upon.

Are all UC graduations being boycotted?

Every campus is under boycott except for one. UCSF is not being boycotted because this campus administration has decided not to balance their budget on the backs of the low-wage workers.

Are graduating students being asked not to attend their graduations?

We are asking invited guest speakers not to lend their prestige to the campus they are speaking on. Attendees are not being asked to boycott their graduations.

What are the boycott demands?

AFSCME is demanding that campuses bring back laid off workers, end the reductions in time, stop outsourcing jobs, and that campus Chancellors commit to do everything in their power to preserve quality, affordable benefits. Student-union coalitions on some campuses have specific demands asking for an end to disciplinary action against non-violent student protesters, and for campuses to uphold immigrant rights. All the demands are completely within the power of each campus administration to act upon. If any campus administration agrees to settle these issues, the boycott will be lifted for that campus.

Does this tactic work?

Yes. A speakers boycott in 2008 resulted in an historic agreement to begin bringing low-wage UC workers out of poverty. Prominent individuals such as Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Arianna Huffington and Hilda Solis sacrificed their speaking engagements to win this agreement. This agreement to move workers out of poverty is the same one that the current speakers boycott seeks to uphold.

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