Tens of thousands of health care and custodial workers at the University of California initiated a strike due to alleged unfair labor practices and persistent staffing shortages. This action comes after failed contract negotiations between two unions, AFSCME Local 3299 and UPTE, representing nearly 60,000 employees. Workers, including various health professionals and custodians, are voicing concerns over declining wages and inadequate staffing that affect patient care. The university administration denies these allegations, asserting its commitment to legal negotiations, while the workers demand better conditions and contracts to address their grievances.
"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 who are raising concerns while limiting their access to union representatives," said AFSCME Local 3299 President Michael Avant.
"We are facing a staffing crisis that is hurting students, patient care, and critical research," said a representative from UPTE, highlighting the urgency behind the strike.
The university denied the allegations and emphasized full support for the unions’ right to strike, claiming an ongoing commitment to fair negotiations.
Strikes by two unions representing nearly 60,000 health care and custodial workers reflect ongoing tensions between University of California and its employees over labor practices and wages.
#university-of-california #labor-strikes #health-care-workers #union-negotiations #staffing-shortages
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