Members of UAW 4811, which represents about 48,000 graduate students and academic workers across the UC system, voted last week to authorize a rolling strike in response to the university system’s recent handling of pro-Palestinian protests on campuses.

Union members are alleging their rights have been violated in the crackdowns on pro-Palestinian protests on campuses. But UC officials maintain the strike would be unlawful because it would violate the existing contract with the union, and have warned that anyone who participates will face repercussions.

A big case goes before the California Supreme Court on Tuesday that could affect more than a million gig workers in the state.

Four years ago, voters approved Proposition 22, a ballot measure sponsored by Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart that allowed the companies to continue treating their ride-hailing drivers and delivery workers as independent contractors. Proposition 22 was the industry’s response to Assembly Bill 5, a state law that codified a state Supreme Court decision that would have required the companies to classify those workers as employees.

Treating gig workers as independent contractors is central to the business model of the California-based companies, the middlemen who gave rise to the on-demand, app-based gig economy that has permeated our culture. The companies are fighting to hang on to that model, saying it helps them provide gig workers with flexible schedules. Critics say it lets the companies avoid paying employment taxes and shift financial responsibility to their workers and customers, plus governments.

The state Republican Party held its annual convention in the Bay Area over the weekend.

Among the topics – protecting a handful of competitive seats in the House of Representatives this fall. In 2022, Republicans won a handful of closely contested congressional seats that helped the party win control of the House. 

Meanwhile, leaders with the California Democratic Party endorsed a number of measures that could appear on the November ballot.

The Microblades, a local powerhouse trio featuring Giulietta Randell, Lauren Deerinck and Imogen Collis, were recently awarded the honor of Best Pop Song for “Cowboy” at the annual San Diego Music Awards ceremony at Humphrey’s by the Bay, according to a news release. In their humble acceptance speech, each girl thanked her parents and the news release stated that lead singer/songwriter Giulietta Randell also said “And thank you to our neighbors for not calling the ‘cops’ when we have band practice.”

Since receiving the award, the band has been flooded with offers to perform. The Del Mar Foundation will feature The Microblades at their annual Summer Twilight Concert Series at Powerhouse Park in Del Mar. The Microblades will be
sponsored by Zel’s Restaurant as the opening act for the band Daring Greatly on Tuesday, June 25.