Tens of thousands of healthcare and custodial staff at the University of California initiated a strike on Wednesday, citing grievances over unfair labor practices and insufficient staffing. The work stoppage, carried out by two unions representing nearly 60,000 employees, followed unsuccessful contract negotiations with the sprawling 10-campus university system. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 (AFSCME Local 3299) and the University Professional Technical Employees (UPTE)-CWA Local 9119 were involved in similar industrial action in November, alleging unfair bargaining practices—claims the university has contested.
Representing around 37,000 staff such as respiratory therapists, pharmacy technicians, mental health workers, custodians, and gardeners, AFSCME Local 3299 announced its strike after filing new charges hinging on alleged unfair labor actions with the state’s Public Employment Relations Board. AFSCME Local 3299 President Michael Avant stated, “Instead of addressing the decrease in real wages that is prompting an exodus of staff from UC Medical Centers and Campuses during negotiations, UC has opted to impose arbitrary measures unlawfully, aiming to silence concerned workers and restrict their access to union representatives.”
Meanwhile, UPTE, advocating for 20,000 members such as physician assistants, optometrists, pharmacists, nurse case managers, and mental health workers, launched a three-day strike. They accused the university of trying to “silence whistleblowers speaking out about the staffing crisis impacting students, patient care, and vital research.” In its defense, the university refuted the accusations, expressing support for the legal rights of unions to strike and protest, referencing AFSCME and UPTE’s previous two-day strike.
The university further noted its offers to the unions, which included “meaningful” wage increases, reduced healthcare premiums, and other benefits in response to their grievances. “The University of California regrets that AFSCME and UPTE have opted to strike. Both unions have concentrated their efforts on preparing for strikes and disseminating misinformation rather than engaging in sincere negotiations,” stated the university.
The contract with AFSCME Local 3299 reached its expiration on July 31, while UPTE’s agreement lapsed on October 31.
