Strike Initiation
Nearly 40,000 workers, represented by AFSCME Local 3299, launched a two-day strike, citing unfair bargaining practices by the University. The strike impacts all UC campuses and medical facilities statewide.
Union members, with a 99% vote in favor of the strike, allege the University failed to meet legal obligations and unilaterally increased healthcare costs, contributing to understaffing and a crisis in housing affordability for workers.
University Response
The University of California disputes the union's claims, stating it has proposed significant salary increases averaging 26% over five years and has met numerous times with the union, offering a minimum wage of $25 an hour by July 2025.
UC officials argue the union has not responded to proposals since May, emphasizing their willingness to negotiate and highlighting the economic offers made, including monthly credits to offset healthcare premium increases.