Bad faith bargaining, and unilateral changes in job duties are key issues for the strike. Lindy Cloud, UPTE state treasurer, says the contract expired last September, and members haven't had a raise in nearly three years.

LC: "We got zero percent increases last year, no step increases within range increases, no cost of living adjustments, and the University made $780 million dollars. Its not that the money isn't there, they just don't want to give it out, that's ridiculous."

A 33% annual turnover rate among research staff has saved UC about $2.5 million.

LC: "When people leave, they get replaced with lower-paid people, it causes stagnation in wages, the University wants to charge us, just to keep the status quo."

UPTE member Jessica Hayden, a researcher in social sciences department for almost five years, loves her job, but says without a raise, she can't afford to stay on.

JH: "I'm taking home less pay today, than I took home in my first paycheck in October 2000, because my parking fees, and health benefits cost more now than they did then."

UPTE bargainers want a contract which awards seniority, and provides incentive for their members to stay on. Talks resume later next week. If demands aren't t met, workers say, they'll explore a larger strike action.