SAN FRANCISCO — A massive strike commenced on Wednesday as tens of thousands of health care and custodial staff members from the University of California took action over alleged unfair labor practices and workplace shortages.
Two unions, representing almost 60,000 workers in various health care and service roles, initiated the strike after negotiations for a new contract with the university’s 10-campus system faltered.
The unions involved, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 (AFSCME Local 3299) and the University Professional Technical Employees-CWA Local 9119 (UPTE), previously held a strike in November, citing unfair negotiating tactics, claims which the university has denied.
AFSCME Local 3299 serves approximately 37,000 members, including various technicians, mental health personnel, custodians, and gardeners. They filed further complaints with the state’s Public Employment Relations Board, alleging the university’s unfair treatment of workers.
Michael Avant, the president of AFSCME Local 3299, commented on the situation, stating that instead of tackling the depreciation of real wages driving employees away from UC Medical Centers and Campuses, the university imposed unlawful regulations to suppress worker voices and limit union access.
UPTE, representing 20,000 employees including physician assistants, optometrists, and pharmacists, initiated a three-day strike. They criticized the university for attempting to suppress individuals alerting others about the staffing issues impacting students, patient care, and essential research.
In response, the university refuted the accusations, affirming its support for the unions’ lawful right to strike and picket, citing previous strike actions in November by AFSCME and UPTE as proof.
The university claimed it had proposed significant wage increases, reduced health care premiums, and additional incentives to address the workers’ grievances.
Expressing discontent, the University of California declared that both unions chose to invest their efforts in strike logistics and disseminating misinformation, rather than pursuing authentic negotiations.
The contract for AFSCME Local 3299 came to an end on July 31, while that for UPTE expired on October 31.
