The University of California's U.A.W. 4811 union, representing 48,000 academic workers, has authorized a potential strike over free speech concerns, not just traditional labor issues. The vote follows a violent incident at U.C. Los Angeles and alleged policy changes affecting free speech. The union's president emphasized the importance of free speech and peaceful protest. The university expressed concern that a strike would introduce non-labor issues into labor agreements. The union's strategy may involve targeted "stand-up" strikes. This move is seen as reflecting generational shifts in the labor movement.