UC Health Workers Announce Open-Ended Strike Over Contract Disputes
A union representing 42,000 workers at the University of California has announced an open-ended, system-wide strike set to begin on May 14. This marks the first such strike in the history of UC Health, the university's academic health system. The union, AFSCME Local 3299, represents service workers and patient care professionals across the university's campuses, medical centers, clinics, and research laboratories. The workers have been without a contract since 2024, and previous negotiations have failed to address key issues such as wage increases, contract duration, shift differentials, and healthcare coverage costs. The union has highlighted the acute affordability crisis facing its members, many of whom are among the lowest paid and most vulnerable to cost of living increases in California. The University of California has expressed disappointment over the strike, citing significant progress made at the bargaining table, including offers of pay growth and bonuses. 
