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UC Workers to Launch Open-Ended Strike Thursday, Disrupting Medical and Campus Services

It marks the first open-ended unfair-labor-practice strike to reach UC's health system.

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AFSCME Local 3299 Executive Vice President Kathryn Lybarger speaks during a press conference outside UCSF Mission Bay Hospital in San Francisco on April 15. Lybarger’s union, which represents health care and other campus workers, announced an open-ended strike starting May 14 at UC hospitals and campuses across the state.
Union members representing 42,000 hospital technicians and other staff members announced on April 15 that they would strike across all University of California hospitals and campuses starting May 14.
A labor union banner flies in front of UCSF Mission Bay Hospital in San Francisco during a news conference April 15.

Overview

  • AFSCME-represented UC healthcare and service workers, who plan to walk out Thursday, will strike across all 10 campuses and the five major medical centers.
  • Hospitals and clinics will stay open with doctors and nurses on duty, though imaging, lab tests, pharmacies and some infusions may be delayed and a few surgeries could be rescheduled.
  • Patients may see some visits moved to telehealth, and UCSF says emergency rooms will remain open as teams contact people if appointments or procedures must change.
  • The union says members need higher pay, lower health costs and a chance to bargain over housing as some workers report sleeping in cars near campuses.
  • UC says its latest offer includes up to about 34% in raises over three years, a $2,000 ratification bonus and caps on HMO premium hikes, with contingency staffing to keep care running.