Tens of thousands of University of California health care and custodial workers, including physician assistants and optometrists, went on strike Wednesday, citing unfair labor practices and staffing shortages.
The strikes involve two unions representing nearly 60,000 workers, following the failure to reach a new contract with the 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 (UPTE) are both involved.
This strike follows a similar action in November when both unions alleged unfair bargaining tactics, which the university system denied. AFSCME Local 3299, which represents about 37,000 employees, including respiratory therapists, pharmacy technicians, mental health workers, custodians, and gardeners, filed new charges with the state’s Public Employment Relations Board, accusing the university of unfair labor practices.
AFSCME Local 3299 President Michael Avant criticized the University of California for not addressing the decline in real wages that has led to a staff exodus at UC Medical Centers and Campuses. Instead, Avant stated, the university has chosen to implement unfair rules that silence workers raising concerns and limit their access to union representatives.
UPTE, which represents 20,000 workers, including physician assistants, optometrists, pharmacists, nurse case managers, and mental health professionals, is currently on a three-day strike. The union claims that the university has tried to silence whistleblowers who have spoken out about the staffing crisis that is negatively impacting students, patient care, and critical research.
In response, the university denied the allegations, stating that it fully supports the unions’ right to engage in legal strike activities and picketing, as demonstrated by the two-day strike by AFSCME and UPTE last November.
The University of California stated that it has proposed “meaningful” wage increases, reductions in health care premiums, and other incentives to address the workers’ concerns.
The university expressed disappointment that AFSCME and UPTE have decided to strike, claiming that both unions have focused more on preparing for the strike and spreading misinformation rather than negotiating in good faith.
The contract for AFSCME Local 3299 expired on July 31, while UPTE’s contract expired on October 31.