" I didn't know much about the labor movement coming in, but hearing and learning so much made the experience very revolutionary for me."
On March 23rd-25th, 2022, the UC Berkeley Labor Center launched its first-ever Solidarity Spring program, a hands-on service learning experience coordinated by Karla Gutierrez, Program Coordinator, with our labor community partners. For this pilot program, the Labor Center offered a series of workshops and activities over three days of spring break ending with Cesar Chavez day.
The program kicked off with a Mario Savio film screening and discussion. The screening was followed by a rich discussion about Savio’s impact and legacy at UC Berkeley, and what it means today. Students learned about workers’ struggles for rights as essential workers and policy advocacy by participating in the SF March Up action, Teamsters UPS rally at the capitol, and workshops on political art and movement photography.
We had 65 students interested in the program for a limited number of 20 spots. A total of 19 students took part in Solidarity Spring and rated it very highly as a success.
Solidarity Spring specifically targets students who are new to Berkeley as freshmen, sophomores, and transfer students. Before this program, 76% of students had not attended a labor-related action, and 78% had little to no knowledge about the labor movement. Through this experience, students got a glimpse of the labor movement in the Bay Area and Sacramento.
What students had to say about the program
"There are so many positive things that I experienced at Spring Solidarity. First, the experience was enjoyable. I loved meeting so many of my amazing peers, along with the different people we met through all the activities we did. I knew little about the labor movement coming in, but hearing and learning so much made the experience very revolutionary for me. Hearing the thoughts and ideas of my peers truly opened my eyes so much, and I felt like I was constantly learning new things and perspectives through the knowledge of everyone who spoke. I feel like I could relate to a lot of the movements and experiences, so I felt a whole different level of understanding and connection. Overall I enjoyed it so much and am so glad I was part of this!"
“ My experience overall was fun and moving. I learned about the labor movement and being able to March alongside the labor workers and hearing the speeches made me feel inspired. I appreciated our discussions and being able to speak openly in a space that felt safe and supportive.”
“ I attended my first ever march in solidarity with workers. It opened my eyes to other ways in which I can advocate for in the future with a political background. I feel that not many people in politics really get in touch with the constituents and their demands. They lack uncertainty of how valuable their work and circumstances are. It was overall a new plentiful experience..”
“There are so many positive things that I experienced at Solidarity Spring. First of all, the experience was very fun. I loved meeting so many of my amazing peers, along with different people I met through all of the activities we did. Though it was during spring break, it did not at all feel like a chore or burden, and I was looking forward to every new activity! I didn't know much about the labor movement coming in, but hearing and learning so much made the experience very revolutionary for me. Hearing the thoughts and ideas from my peers truly opened my eyes so much and I felt like I was constantly learning new things and perspectives through the knowledge of everyone who spoke. I feel like I could relate to a lot of the movements and experiences, so I felt a whole different level of understanding and connection. Overall I enjoyed it so much and am so glad I was part of this!”
"The most important thing I learned was the power of solidarity in the labor movement. Solidarity between different groups, including ethnicity, race, students and workers, people in power, etc. I found that being heard takes a lot of dedication and a lot of people coming together, not just the spokesperson. Everyone plays a part in the movement, and it's important to hear how they were inspired, what they stand for, and try to include everyone's views in a union to properly represent people."
"The importance of just showing up and listening (sometimes, that's the best form of solidarity we can provide). So often, we're scared that we're not experts in the matter and can't articulate things super advanced. But, these three days taught me how welcoming the labor movement is and how no matter what we do in the future, it is an important part of our lives and the wellbeing of society."
Staff Up Rally
On March 23, 2022, the students participated in the Staff Up rally at San Francisco City Hall. The students marched down Market Street with hundreds of workers and union members to support city workers who serve San Francisco. During the pandemic, city workers risked their own and their families’ lives to keep services running. The city has left thousands of positions unfulfilled. This, consequently, has stretched thin the current city workers who provide essential services to the SF community. Unions are demanding the mayor's office fill those positions, and Solidarity Spring participants learned how much effort is needed to demand justice.
Teamsters Rally at the Capitol
On March 24, the Teamsters union held a rally at the capitol to protest pay cuts for part-time UPS workers under a Market Rate Adjustment (MRA) to the contractual minimums. The pay cuts affected thousands of part-time UPS workers and their families, and deemed unacceptable by Teamster members. Students were welcomed, participated in chants, and stood in solidarity in front of the capitol building. The students heard from members, leaders, and legislators in support of Teamsters, even getting a shout-out by California legislator Maria Elena Durazo. Students were able to see how one shows up in solidarity for workers and learn of the power of advocacy on the steps of the capital. As one student stated, "My favorite event overall! Absolutely love it. I picture myself giving a speech up on those steps one day now."
Workshops
To provide a well-rounded experience for students, the Labor Center also provided workshops that provided art and cultural component. Photographer Brooke Anderson provided a workshop on "Visual Storytelling and Cell Phone Photography," in which students learned techniques of utilizing cell phones to take moving pictures of social movements. They were able to apply those skills to the actions throughout the program. Artist and UC Berkeley alum Tony Morales also joined via zoom for a workshop on "Art as an archive, protest, and vision in movements.". This activity allowed students to reflect on art and their personal experiences to tell a story.
"I like how art can be expressed in many different forms and how art can tell so many different stories without having to show words."
Rosie the Riveter Museum Visit
Lastly, the students visited Rosie the Riveter museum in Richmond where they learned about the waterfront and shipyards in WWII. Students got to hear from women who joined the labor force, the challenges they faced as women in the workforce for the first time, and their impact on the war efforts and the Richmond community.
The Labor Center would like to give special thanks to Mario Savio Social Justice Program for supporting the program and our labor partners, SEIU 1021 and Teamsters 2865, for providing an insightful experience for UC Berkeley students.