UC Healthcare Workers Strike Over Labor Practices

UC healthcare workers across California initiated a two-day strike, involving approximately 37,000 employees, to protest against what they describe as unfair labor practices and inadequate wages. The strike, led by AFSCME Local 3299, highlights the challenges of low pay, understaffing, and housing affordability issues faced by these workers. Union officials accuse the University of California of illegal bargaining tactics, which the university denies, claiming they have offered substantial wage increases and benefits. Despite UC’s proposal to raise wages to a minimum of $25 an hour by 2025, union members assert that the university's actions have left them no choice but to strike. The strike is impacting services at major UC campuses and medical facilities, including UC San Diego and UCSF, with workers citing long patient wait times due to staffing shortages. The university maintains that it has been willing to negotiate and continues to seek a resolution.