Get to know why Communications, Marketing, and Sales Professionals at the UC came together to form a union on this page.
“I love my job and that I can do it effectively from Washington State, where I live. I joined UC in fall 2020, when everyone had miraculously pivoted so quickly to remote work to keep UC going. But since that initial all-for-one feeling, UC has mandated specific in-office days for hybrid folks in our unit, complicated things for people who want to move, and made remote telework agreements subject to annual review. It feels precarious, destabilizing, and it craters morale. I want to unionize to have more power to increase job security and transparency from UC, and I want a real say in what happens with hybrid and remote work.”
— Julie Van Pelt, Publications Production Specialist, UCOP/UC Press
“In my 11+ years at UCLA, I have felt fortunate to work with a staff of intelligent, engaged, and compassionate people who deserve to have a greater say over our working conditions. By forming a union, we will have a stronger voice to improve our work environment so that all workers feel valued and respected. When we have greater input over the decisions that impact us, we’ll be more able to build clear, sustainable career pathways at the UC.”
— Phil Leers, UCLA
“I love so many aspects of my work at UC. But all that could change tomorrow, and I would have no power to advocate for preserving the things that matter most to me in my job. And I know that not everyone across UC (or in my job class, or even in my own unit!) has the same good experience I do. Forming a union is how I can have a say in protecting the uniquely great parts of my job and fight for my colleagues who deserve to have those things in their own jobs.”
— Stephanie Summerhays, Publications Production Specialist, UCOP/UC Press
“Even though I have a supportive manager and team, I support ComMas unionizing because I want to help my colleagues gain greater protections and benefits in the long run. I love being a UC employee and want to ensure I can continue a career with the university system, even in the face of a rising cost of living and healthcare premiums. I also believe in advocating for greater retirement benefits to ensure everyone can retire after a career in public service.”
— Laney Mae Velazquez, Marketing Specialist, UCSC
“Communications workers at UC are often the only one in their department and it’s easy to feel isolated. Even if you’re in a department with lots of other communications workers, it can be hard to speak up against obstacles to doing your best work or difficult working conditions. When we form a union, we speak with a voice louder than our own and act with a vast collective presence to advocate for our workplaces and our jobs.”
— Holly Ober, Media Communications Specialist UCLA
“Forming a union is important because it is the only way for workers to have a collective voice in the working conditions that affect our lives and livelihoods. Unionization means community, it means belonging, it means agency, and it means solidarity.”
— Adra Bowman, UCSC
“As Communications, Marketing and Sales professionals we help articulate the importance of the science and research happening at the UC. The work we do is valuable and worth protecting. We deserve a seat at the table. By joining UAW, we have more power to protect what we love about our jobs and improve our workplaces (compensation, free speech, equity, benefits, career advancement). During these uncertain times, we need to collectively take part in shaping our future, and support our most vulnerable colleagues.”
— Farah Hamade, Publications Production Specialist, UCSF
“I came to UC 8 years ago because I’d seen how my team’s work had a real impact on people’s lives. I’ve watched my colleagues who make that work possible ride a terrifying roller coaster the past year, not knowing whether they would have the funding to continue the work they deeply care about. One of the most hopeful things I’ve seen is the way that unions have stepped up to fight senseless policies and devastating cuts and won, bringing back hundreds of millions of funding. I’m excited to form a union so we can support each other and stand up for what we do. When we unionize, we make all of UC stronger.”
— Rebecca Griffin, Communications Specialist, UCSF