Thousands of health care and custodial workers at the University of California (UC) walked off their jobs this Wednesday, joining a growing wave of labour unrest. The strike, led by two unions, involves nearly 60,000 workers, including physician assistants, optometrists, custodians, mental health professionals, and other healthcare employees. These workers are protesting against what they claim are unfair labour practices and critical staff shortages at UC campuses and medical centres across California.
The strike is the latest development in an ongoing dispute between the University of California system and its workers’ unions. 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) have been negotiating for months but have failed to reach new agreements. Both unions have accused the university of refusing to meet their demands for better wages, improved working conditions, and staffing support.
AFSCME Local 3299 represents approximately 37,000 employees, including custodians, gardeners, respiratory therapists, and mental health workers. UPTE represents 20,000 healthcare workers, such as optometrists, pharmacists, and physician assistants. The unions argue that UC’s administration has failed to address their concerns, leading to a significant decline in real wages and worsening working conditions that have caused many staff members to leave their positions.
Michael Avant, president of AFSCME Local 3299, spoke to the press about the frustration many workers are feeling. He accused the University of California of using “illegal” methods to silence workers who raise concerns. According to Avant, the university’s response has been to implement “arbitrary rules” that make it harder for workers to access union support or have their grievances heard.
“Instead of addressing the decline in real wages that has fueled the staff exodus at UC Medical Centres 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,” Avant said.
The unions argue that the strikes are necessary because of what they describe as a critical staffing shortage. They claim that the shortage is affecting not just workers, but also students and patients. UPTE, in particular, has raised alarms about the impact of the staffing crisis on patient care and the university’s medical research efforts.
“It’s simple,” said Elizabeth Gomez, a physician assistant and UPTE member. “We don’t have enough staff to handle the demands, and patients are suffering for it.”
The strikes come after months of tense negotiations and failed attempts to reach new contracts. The contract for AFSCME Local 3299 expired on July 31, 2024, and the contract for UPTE expired on October 31, 2024. Both unions have continued to work without formal agreements, hoping that the university would respond to their concerns. However, the unions claim that the university’s offers of wage increases and benefits have not been enough to address their needs.
In November 2024, both AFSCME and UPTE went on strike for two days to protest against what they called “unfair bargaining practices” by the university. The university, however, denied these accusations, stating that it had been negotiating in good faith and was committed to resolving the issues.
“We are disappointed that AFSCME and UPTE have chosen to go on strike,” said a spokesperson for the University of California. “Both unions have chosen to focus their energy on strike preparation and amplifying misinformation rather than negotiating in good faith.”
The university also stated that it had offered significant wage increases and healthcare benefits to the unions in an effort to meet their demands. “We have made meaningful offers that include wage increases, health care premium reductions, and other incentives. We are committed to the well-being of our employees and fully support their right to engage in legal strike activity,” the spokesperson added.
The strikes are having a significant impact on UC’s operations, particularly in its medical centres. With tens of thousands of health and custodial workers on strike, the university is facing challenges in maintaining regular services. Patients in UC hospitals may experience longer waiting times, while custodial services at campuses may be limited.
The unions argue that the strike is necessary to draw attention to the crisis they say is unfolding within the university system. They claim that staffing shortages have become so severe that it is affecting not just employees but the quality of care provided to students and patients. Workers say the situation has become untenable, and they are prepared to continue their strike until their concerns are addressed.
