Union Boss-Led Strike Causes Statewide Disruptions Despite UC’s Efforts to Settle Contracts
More than 20,000 University of California workers have been coerced into a statewide strike, impacting campuses including UCLA, UC Irvine, and UC San Diego. The strike, organized by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE), has led to disruptions across academic and healthcare systems.
In a public statement, the UC system pushed back against claims made by the unions, emphasizing months of negotiations and a series of offers aimed at improving employee conditions. These include generous wage increases, monthly healthcare credits for lower-wage workers, expanded sick leave, and improved vacation scheduling.
“UPTE and AFSCME are not being forthright in their characterizations, which is upsetting since we’ve made sincere efforts to find mutually beneficial solutions,” the university said. “Regardless, we are hopeful AFSCME and UPTE will make meaningful efforts to settle these contracts soon.”
UC officials have labeled the strike an “unnecessary disruption” that is costing the system millions of dollars, affecting students, staff, and campus operations alike.
At UC San Diego Health, administrators assured patients that essential healthcare services would remain operational, though they warned of potential delays in parking, appointment flow, and medication refills at both the Hillcrest and La Jolla medical campuses during the demonstrations.
While union leadership continues to push for additional concessions, the university remains firm in its stance that it has made serious and fair proposals over the course of many months.
A Reminder to Public Employees
Participation in any union-led strike is optional. While union rules may impose fines or disciplinary measures on members who choose not to strike, public employees have the right to resign from their union membership at any time. By doing so, they are no longer bound by union directives and may continue to serve students, patients, and the public without penalty.
For more information on your rights as an employee regarding unions, visit Know Your Rights.
