This story has really been making the rounds. I have to think that Bernie Sanders is COMPLETELY WRONG (at least in my opinion), this was not a union busting attempt. The students were conducting a wild cat strike in VIOLATION of their union collective bargaining agreement. While wild cat strikes are not necessarily always wrong, or at least I would argue, they are always balancing acts. I'm also torn at the very prospect of their argument that their stipends did not cover their rent. As part of their stipend was a graduate tuition waiver, which is not insignificant. Santa Cruz is a great place, I've enjoyed several Christmas holidays on the beach, love the area. Of course it is ridonkulously expensive, as any picturesque California beach/resort community is, so there is a fair argument that the pay is not enough. That being said, these appear to be part time jobs (contract states 50% duties) that cover all of tuition, fees, and provide a significant stipend. The compromise that was offered, was also not entirely unreasonable - in my humble opinion.
I'm becoming more and more perplexed by this situation. Just really can't see the argument of the Teaching Assistants.
