Multitudes of employees from the University of California engage in a walkout, asserting instances of unjust bargaining methods.
The ongoing strikes from two unions, AFSCME Local 3299 and UPTE, each representing around 37,000 and 20,000 healthcare and service workers at the University of California, respectively, are independent actions. These actions follow failed contract negotiations between the unions and the university system.
Both selected unions accused the university of employing unfair labor tactics, claims the university system vehemently denies. The November strike was a protest against these allegations.
AFSCME Local 3299, with employees such as respiratory therapists, pharmacy techs, mental health workers, and custodians, claim the university prevents workers from voicing concerns about staffing crises and workplace conditions, prompting new charges with California's Public Employment Relations Board.
UPTE members, responsible for critical roles like physician assistants, optometrists, and nurse case managers, went on a short three-day strike in response to the university not addressing their concerns over a severe staffing crisis affecting patient care and research.
The university, advocating for the unions' right to legally strike, asserted it has offered significant wage increases, healthcare cost reductions, and other perks to cope with the workers' issues.
However, AFSCME Local 3299 asserted that UC chose to curtail workers' freedom to voice concerns by implementing arrow-root rules and restricting their union representatives' access. UPTE accused the university of attempting to silence whistleblowers who pointed out the staffing crisis plaguing patients, student education, and research.
The university contracts for AFSCME Local 3299 and UPTE each expired on July 31 and October 31, respectively. The unions' strikes threaten to disturb critical hospital, clinic, and research facility operations, potentially impacting medical and climate research.
- The arrow-root rules implemented by the university, as accused by AFSCME Local 3299, are limiting the freedom of optometrists and other employees to voice their concerns about staffing crises and workplace conditions.
- The university system's actions, including the restricting of union representatives' access and the alleged silencing of whistleblowers, have prompted new charges from UPTE, which represents optometrists among other critical roles.
- The ongoing strikes by AFSCME Local 3299 and UPTE, including those who are optometrists and other essential workers, are putting a strain on the business operations of the University of California, potentially impacting research and patient care.