University of California Employees Go on Strike for Fair Labor Practices

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University employees gathered in protest on the campus, advocating for better wages and working conditions.

News Summary

Tens of thousands of employees across the University of California system went on strike on February 26, 2025, advocating for fair labor practices, better wages, and improved working conditions. The strike is led by two primary unions representing nearly 60,000 workers who have been negotiating for new contracts for several months. The walkout has caused substantial disruptions within the university system while highlighting ongoing tensions between staff and administration over labor issues and financial priorities.

University of California Employees Go on Strike for Fair Labor Practices

In a major push for change, tens of thousands of employees at the University of California (UC) system took to the picket lines on February 26, 2025. This strike reflects ongoing tensions between university staff and the administration regarding labor practices, wages, and working conditions.

Who’s on Strike?

The strike involves two main unions—the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 3299 (AFSCME Local 3299) and the University Professional Technical Employees (UPTE)-CWA Local 9119. Together, these unions represent nearly 60,000 workers across various roles within the university.

AFSCME Local 3299, which represents about 37,000 employees, includes essential personnel like respiratory therapists, pharmacy technicians, mental health workers, custodians, and gardeners. Meanwhile, UPTE covers around 20,000 employees, including physician assistants, optometrists, pharmacists, nurse case managers, and additional mental health professionals.

Reasons Behind the Strike

The decision to strike came as a response to multiple grievances, including allegations of unfair labor practices and persistent staffing shortages. Both unions highlight that they have been attempting to negotiate new contracts since their previous ones expired—AFSCME’s on July 31 and UPTE’s on October 31. Unions claim that university officials have put in place arbitrary rules that intimidate members and restrict their access to union representation.

Furthermore, UPTE has pointed fingers at the university for trying to silence whistleblowers regarding the staffing crises that directly impact students, patient care, and research initiatives. Prior to this strike, both unions engaged in a two-day strike in November 2024, also complaining about unfair bargaining tactics by the UC administration.

The University’s Response

Despite the gravity of the situation, university officials have denied any wrongdoing. They assert that they are supportive of workers’ right to strike and claim to have offered meaningful wage increases and other incentives. This includes a supposed commitment to resolving issues raised by the unions promptly.

Impact of the Strike

The strike has led to significant disruptions throughout the UC system, including halting core functions like appointment scheduling and mental health services. However, emergency services have continued to operate, ensuring some level of support in critical areas. The situation is particularly concerning, as reports indicate that staffing shortages have worsened due to increasing employee departures associated with lagging pay and soaring living costs—the implications of the pandemic are still being felt.

Protests Across Campuses

Picketing and protests erupted at several UC campuses, including UC Riverside and UC Irvine Medical Center. AFSCME argued that their actions were essential to confront what they termed as “serial law-breaking” by UC leaders. The urgency of these protests lies in a shared belief among workers that only through such collective action can they compel university leadership to engage in meaningful dialogue regarding their demands for improved wages and working conditions.

Concerns Over Financial Priorities

Adding another layer to this contentious situation, recent financial reports from the university system revealed significant reserves totaling $20 billion. Additionally, reports of UC’s acquisition of multiple hospitals raise questions about how these funds are being allocated, especially in relation to employees’ concerns.

Looking Ahead

For many workers, this strike represents a crucial opportunity to effect change within the UC system. They view it as a temporary sacrifice designed to press the university into serious negotiations. As the situation unfolds, the eyes of the community are trained on both the striking employees and the university administration to see how this clash will reshape the future of labor relations in the UC system.