In an escalating labor dispute with the University of California, two prominent unions called nearly 60,000 workers to strike statewide on April 1. The University Professional and Technical Employees-Communications Workers of America (UPTE-CWA) 9119, representing about 20,000 healthcare, research, and technical employees, along with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3299, announced the strike as a response to what they allege are "unfair labor practices" by the UC system, with both unions accusing the university of bad faith negotiations, as per KTVU.
According to a KTVU report, the most recent charges lodged by UPTE-CWA 9119 against the UC system include creating new job classifications that overlap with existing UPTE-CWA 9119 bargaining units, effectively displacing unionized workers. They also highlight an increase in healthcare premiums in January, conflicting with promises that rates would stay static during ongoing negotiations. Moreover, they claim that the UC has neglected to share critical vacancy rates and staffing issues for over two years, hampering the ability to provide adequate patient care and conduct essential research.
The stance of the University of California is markedly different. The Office of University of California President Michael Drake released a statement asserting that the unions are the parties averse to negotiating in good faith. Drake said, per KTVU, "Both unions have chosen to focus their energy on strike preparation and amplifying misinformation rather than negotiating in good faith," noting that his office had offered meaningful wage increases, health care premiums reductions, and other offers directly addressing members' concerns. The UC also pointed to the financial strain a strike would cause, particularly as the university braces for potential funding cuts.
In solidarity with their peers, AFSCME Local 3299 has decided to join the action, aligning with UPTE-CWA 9119's concerns. The UPTE's president, Dan Russell, described the UC's approach as an illegal “divide-and-conquer” tactic to undermine bargaining efforts. The two unions claim these efforts weaken collective action and devalue workers' efforts to negotiate fair treatment. UPTE has announced a hardship fund for strike participants facing financial difficulties and has planned a Pre-Strike Town Hall on March 25 to discuss strategies and address questions, as cited by UPTE-CWA.
Unrest among the workers has also spilled onto social media, where UPTE-CWA 9119 has continued to express their grievances and call for support. An Instagram post by UPTE-CWA reads, "Show UC that we won’t tolerate their ongoing unfair labor practices and disregard for our rights." By intensifying its communications across multiple platforms, the union aims to galvanize its members and the public ahead of the April 1 strike, emphasizing unity and determination in the face of institutional resistance.
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