University of California Healthcare Workers Strike Over Alleged Illegal Bargaining and Wage Disputes

Recently, thousands of healthcare workers at the University of California (UC) launched a two-day strike across the state. KTLA's Tony Kurzweil reported on November 20 that the union claims UC representatives have engaged in illegal bargaining practices.

AFSCME Local 3299, in a statement on its website, accused UC of illegal conduct, citing actions such as entering negotiations without the authority to make compromises and declaring plans to bypass bargaining to impose higher healthcare costs on workers. The union stated these actions left workers, who care for students and patients daily, with no option but to strike.

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Kurzweil also reported that union leaders argued that low wages have forced some workers into long commutes or to sleep in their cars. UC officials, however, denied these claims, stating they have proposed wage increases.

AFSCME Local 3299 President Michael Avant expressed that UC's repeated legal violations in negotiations are exacerbating the staffing shortages at UC facilities, as well as worsening the affordability crises related to housing and the cost of living for frontline workers.

According to UC, their latest proposals include $700 million in economic increases for AFSCME members, responding directly to the union's request for either a $25 minimum wage per hour or a 5 percent across-the-board raise.

KCRA's Melanie Wingo reported that nearly 40,000 UC workers from campuses and medical facilities statewide are participating in the strike, according to the union.