by Michael Burawoy | Jun 22, 2020 | Commentary, Weekly
During the last few weeks, the campus administration has offered a number of declarations of anti-racism. We have no doubt that they are expressions of genuine concern. Yet the financial decisions of the administration appear to be seriously at odds with their words....
by Michael Burawoy | Jun 8, 2020 | Commentary, Weekly
The Berkeley Faculty Association joins widespread condemnation of the brutal attacks on Black people in the United States, including this letter supporting the Law Students of African Descent (LSAD) in their stand against police violence. The BFA’s mandate is to...
by Michael Burawoy | Jun 1, 2020 | Commentary, Weekly
UCOP is famed for its tough bargaining tactics in its dealings with its unions. From its ongoing conflict with AFSCME for failing to comply with its own rules around subcontracting, to a belligerent tendency to cancel AFT bargaining sessions at the last minute, to a...
by Michael Burawoy | May 25, 2020 | Commentary, Weekly
The BFA had its end-of-year Board Meeting on May 13th. We had a lively discussion (by Zoom, of course) about how the BFA should advocate for faculty with regard to looming fiscal challenges and their repercussions. We agreed that this is not a time for the...
by Michael Burawoy | May 18, 2020 | Commentary, Weekly
The Covid19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges to higher education. Lost revenues from tuition and fees, housing and services, performances and athletic events, as well as plummeting state funding, endowments, and investment yields, will make recovery...
by Michael Burawoy | May 11, 2020 | Commentary, Weekly
As our campus prepares for a possible partial reopening in the fall, faculty and other campus workers need to advocate for the right to a safe workplace – recognizing that what is “safe” for some may not be for others. BFA’s purpose is to...
