Fired UCSC grad students continue to picket

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) The main entrance at UC Santa Cruz was still blocked by picketers Monday morning.

It comes after administrators fired graduate student Teacher Assistants for withholding grades while they protested what they said are unfair wages.

Several student employees who were fired spoke publicly for the first time since they received a notice of dismissal. Each one shared their own story, one saying they are facing the possibility of deportation and another saying she is expecting a child.

"The school, my employer, the place I really felt proud to be affiliated with would respond with intimidation and resort to intimidation, interrogation and so on rather than negotiation," said UCSC grad student Iuling Osofsky.

Administrators said they understand the financial struggles of the students, but that the wildcat strike is not an appropriate response.

Picketers said they will continue their strike this week.