UAW Region 6 backs California research measure Prop 38

United Auto Workers Region 6, which represents about 60,000 University of California employees, is endorsing Proposition 38 and calling it a needed response to federal funding uncertainty. The measure would direct $8.4 billion toward immunology research, clinical trials and a statewide research network aimed at speeding new treatments and cures.

Why it matters: - UAW Region 6 says Proposition 38 would help protect California’s biomedical research ecosystem at a time when federal cuts and uncertainty are slowing work on potential cures. - The measure is framed as a way to keep research talent, jobs and clinical trial activity in California. - The proposal targets diseases that affect millions, including cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, Parkinson’s, diabetes, ALS, muscular dystrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis.

What happened: - UAW Region 6, representing about 60,000 academic and professional University of California employees, endorsed YES on Proposition 38, the Immunology Medical Research & Cures Initiative. - Rafael Jaime, president of UAW 4811, said Prop 38 is a critical step for supporting California scientists, researchers and lab staff. - Julia Falo-Sanjuan, an assistant project scientist of molecular and cell biology at UC Berkeley, said the measure would help keep California at the forefront of medical discoveries, treatments and cures. - Hannah Nilsson, a postdoctoral scholar of molecular and cell biology at UC Berkeley, said the union sees Prop 38 as a complement to SB 895 and a response to attacks on science. - The coalition backing Prop 38 includes more than 70 patient advocacy, medical and research organizations.

The details: - Prop 38 would provide $8.4 billion for immunology research. - Immunotherapies use the body’s immune system to help prevent and treat disease. - The measure says immunotherapies are already treating patients with melanoma, lung cancer, leukemia and lymphoma. - California researchers would use the funding to advance work aimed at preventing and treating cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and other persistent diseases. - The proposal says federal funding cuts and uncertainty have halted at least 160 active clinical trials nationwide. - Half the funds would go to competitive grants at California universities and nonprofit research institutions. - The other half would support a nonprofit immunology institute affiliated with the University of California. - The institute would bring together scientists, technology, laboratories, patients and clinical trials. - Grantees would be required to collaborate so discoveries and best practices are shared across institutions. - The measure would create a statewide network rather than isolated research efforts.

Between the lines: - Backers are positioning Prop 38 as both a research funding fix and a jobs strategy for California. - The measure also reflects concern that federal politics could continue disrupting long-term biomedical work. - UAW’s support ties university labor priorities to a broader campaign for scientific investment. - The structure of the proposal suggests an effort to speed translation from lab research to patient treatment.

What's next: - Californians will vote on Proposition 38 in the upcoming election. - Supporters are urging a YES vote and directing voters to more information and coalition materials. - If approved, the measure would include a 2% cap on state administrative expenses, public disclosure of spending and independent financial audits. - For-profit corporations would not be eligible for grant funding. - Ten percent of proceeds from licensing immunotherapies would be returned to California to offset the measure’s total costs, including interest. - Any cure or immunotherapy developed under the measure would be offered to California patients at a 20% discount below the national average.

The bottom line: - UAW Region 6 is helping cast Proposition 38 as a major California bet on immunology research, patient access and protection from federal funding volatility.