Academic workers of University of California on strike over handling of pro-Palestinian protests

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Academic workers of the University of California (UC) have been on strike to protest the handling of pro-Palestinian protests on their campuses in recent weeks, saying that the students' rights to peaceful protest were violated.   The spring semester is coming to an end, but some of these students may not be getting their grades on time as many teacher assistants have gone on a strike.   "TAs are not going to be submitting grades. They're not going to be performing their labor that the university relies on. The TAs are part of the backbone of this university. And by withholding their labor, they're sending a very clear message to the university that they refuse to participate in day-to-day operations of this university while we remain complicit in the genocide in Gaza," Kaia Shah, spokesperson for a protest.   Nearly 80 percent of all academic workers from the University of California's 10 campuses across the state voted in favor of rolling strikes, following the police crackdown on pro-Palestinian student encampments at UCLA, UC San Diego and UC Irvine, which resulted in the arrests of hundreds of students.   "You know, as students, I'm sure, they feel that that's the only thing that they are able to do is [to] express their feelings and kind of make some noise about it. So, I see that's kind of what our history kind of has been based upon, right? So it's just unfortunate that the university chose to put disciplinary action upon the people who were peacefully protesting," said Somphone Eno, a staff member of the university.   The workers' union demands the university to "grant amnesty for all academic employees who were arrested and are now facing disciplinary action" and "grant the right to free speech and political expression on campus."   In response to the university administration's declaration that the strike is illegal, unionized workers have submitted another labor violation charge accusing the university of intimidation.   UC officials have announced the launch of an independent investigation into the handling of the pro-Palestinian demonstrations on their campuses, but protesters there have little faith.   "We absolutely do not feel confident in the investigation that the university plans to carry out. We know that they are going to continue to disseminate lies and fabrications. They have very explicitly taken a side," said Shah.   As protesters continue to stage rallies calling on their university to divest from Israel, the pressure is mounting with the latest strike by the academic workers.

Academic workers of University of California on strike over handling of pro-Palestinian protests

On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.

Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.

In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.

"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.

"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.

"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth