Politically Charged Protests Overshadow Contract Talks as AFSCME 3299 Continues Strike Across UC Campuses

Sources: Daily Bruin, UCSD Guardian

What began as a strike by AFSCME Local 3299 over long-running contract negotiations has transformed into a much broader—and unmistakably political—demonstration across UC campuses. While union bosses continue to reject UC’s offer of significant wage and benefit increases, the activism surrounding the strike has moved well beyond workplace concerns.

Protesters Turn the Strike Into a Political Rally

According to the Daily Bruin, the groups showing up to “support” striking AFSCME members used the walkout as a platform for sweeping political causes, far removed from any union contract. Some of the most notable political causes include calls for divestment from weapons manufacturers and the abolition of campus police

Multiple protest groups rallied around the Luskin Conference Center, joining union picketers. One repeated chant underscored the confrontational tone:

“No contract, no peace!”

UC Offers Significant Raises and Benefits — Union Bosses Reject Them

While activist groups escalate political rhetoric, negotiations between AFSCME 3299 and the University of California have been stalled for nearly 21 months.

The UC Office of the President released a fact sheet outlining its “last, best, and final offer”:

• Minimum wage of $25 per hour for all AFSCME-represented employees, effective July 2025
• Up to $1,500 per year in health-care premium credits
• Meaningful and immediate pay and benefits increases implemented after 16 months of good-faith negotiations

Despite these concessions, AFSCME 3299 officials rejected the offer and chose to launch yet another strike—forcing employees into the middle of a dispute that UC administrators argue has already reached a fair point of compromise.

Protests Create Confusion, Disruption, and Pressure on Employees

With large crowds flooding campuses, some workers worry about pressure from union bosses and strike organizers to participate—especially as the protests become louder and more politically charged.

But here’s what every public-sector UC employee should know:

Employees Have Rights — Even During a Strike

Union bosses may imply that workers must walk out or face penalties for refusing to join picket lines. But in reality:

• Public employees cannot be forced to participate in a strike.
• If you are a member of AFSCME 3299, the union can impose internal fines for refusing to strike.
• However, you can resign your union membership at any time to avoid these penalties.

Thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Janus decision, UC employees have the right to leave the union and stop paying dues whenever they choose. This frees workers from any union-imposed strike obligations or fees.

The Bottom Line

A strike that began over contract terms has now become a staging ground for broader political activism—much of which has nothing to do with improving workplace conditions or supporting UC employees.

As union leaders escalate pressure and protests intensify, UC employees should stay informed, understand the full context, and most importantly, know their rights. You do not have to participate in a union-organized strike—especially one increasingly driven by political agendas rather than workplace needs—if you choose not to.

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For more information on your rights as an employee regarding unions, visit Know Your Rights.