Overview
- The walkout brings together UPTE-CWA Local 9119 (about 21,000), AFSCME Local 3299 (more than 40,000), and the California Nurses Association (about 25,000).
- Union statements cite pay that trails inflation, persistent staffing shortages, "shadow beds," long ER waits, and alleged unfair labor practices.
- UC says it has bargained for 17 to 21 months with the unions, calls the wage and benefit demands unreasonable, and warns they could strain finances.
- Hospitals and clinics plan to continue operating, though UC warns some surgeries, treatments, and appointments may be delayed.
- The action would span six academic health centers and four children’s hospital campuses across numerous job categories, and reporters describe it as potentially the largest UC strike.