California Workers Strike Over Wages and Healthcare Costs

Over 37,000 employees protest alleged unfair labor practices, citing rising costs and understaffing at campuses and medical facilities statewide.

The two-day strike involves service and patient care workers across all UC campuses and medical centers, with picketing scheduled to end Thursday night.
The AFSCME Local 3299 union accuses UC of bad faith bargaining, including unilateral healthcare cost increases and withholding critical staffing data.
UC has offered a $25 per hour minimum wage by 2025 and a 5% pay raise, but union members argue these measures fail to address cost-of-living and housing challenges.
Union leaders highlight severe understaffing issues, with some workers enduring long commutes or living in cars due to financial strain.
UC officials deny the allegations, citing extensive negotiations and proposals, and have implemented plans to avoid disruptions to patient care during the strike.