Tens of thousands of workers from the University of California (UC) system went on strike Wednesday, protesting against what they say are unfair labor practices and widespread staffing shortages. The strike involves nearly 60,000 health care, service, and custodial workers, including physician assistants, optometrists, custodians, and mental health professionals.
This strike follows a long-standing dispute between the workers’ two major unions, AFSCME Local 3299 and UPTE-CWA Local 9119, and the university system. The two unions, representing roughly 37,000 and 20,000 workers respectively, have been unable to reach a new contract agreement with UC after previous negotiations failed. The workers’ contracts expired months ago—AFSCME Local 3299’s contract ended on July 31, 2024, and UPTE’s expired on October 31, 2024.
Allegations of unfair labor practices
The labor unrest began to intensify after both unions filed charges with the state’s Public Employment Relations Board, accusing the university of unfair labor practices. As reported by the Associated Press, AFSCME Local 3299 has been particularly vocal, claiming that UC management has refused to address wage declines, which have contributed to a staff exodus from the UC medical centers and campuses. According to the union, instead of negotiating over wage issues, the university has “illegally implemented arbitrary rules” aimed at silencing workers and limiting their access to union representatives.
Michael Avant, president of AFSCME Local 3299, criticized the university for not addressing the root causes of the problem. “Instead of addressing the decline in real wages that has fueled the staff exodus at UC Medical Centers and Campuses at the bargaining table, UC has chosen to illegally implement arbitrary rules aimed at silencing workers,” Avant stated.
Staffing crisis amid critical shortages
The strike comes on the heels of another walkout by the University Professional Technical Employees (UPTE), which represents workers such as physician assistants, pharmacists, and mental health workers. This group is also protesting a staffing crisis that they say is affecting patient care, student services, and vital research efforts. UPTE claims that the university has attempted to suppress whistleblowers speaking out about these issues, with the union calling the crisis a threat to public safety and academic performance.
UC officials have denied the unions’ accusations, stating they fully support workers’ rights to strike and picket legally. However, UC added that they have offered “meaningful” wage increases, reduced healthcare premiums, and other incentives in response to the complaints. As quoted by the Associated Press, a UC statement said, “The University of California is disappointed that AFSCME and UPTE plan to strike. Both unions have chosen to focus their energy on strike preparation and amplifying misinformation rather than negotiating in good faith.”
Leave a Reply