Employees have walked off the job at several campuses in protest of the UC’s handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

The decision is a blow to the union that is sure to intensify tensions with the university system, which has been tested by the occupation of academic buildings and construction of encampments on several campuses since Oct. 7.

The 48,000-member union, which includes classroom employees and researchers, had argued the UC’s arrest of pro-Palestinian protesters and its delayed response to a violent counter-protest at UCLA constituted an unfair labor practice.

The university has contended that the work stoppages are a political protest of the war in Gaza, and that they breach no-strike clauses in the union’s contracts. Workers were ordered to return to work until June 27 while final exams are taken at many campuses.