Workers across UC Health set to strike in May
A major labor union in California that represents workers at the University of California—including UC Health—has announced its intent to begin an open-ended strike next month as a contract dispute between the two parties heats up.
The strike, scheduled to begin on May 14, would extend throughout the entire University of California system—all 10 campuses, as well as all healthcare sites, from clinics to laboratories. Such a strike is the first in history at UC Health.
The union, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3299, is protesting alleged illegal activity by the university, including claims that it increased insurance costs for workers unnecessarily. The academic institution is also accused of refusing to negotiate on some sticking points in contracts, including housing benefits.
It’s alleged that workers are struggling to find affordable places to live, resulting in a homelessness crisis that is impacting staff, including clinicians. This has been fueled by the rising cost of living in California, which the union says wages have not kept up with.
“For more than two years, AFSCME 3299 has worked to negotiate successor agreements that address the acute affordability crisis facing the University’s frontline service and patient care workforce,” AFSCME Local 3299 President Michael Avant said in Wednesday’s announcement. “Instead of bargaining in good faith, UC has imposed terms that amount to pay cuts and refused to bargain over the housing crisis that is most responsible for our members being forced to sleep in their cars and in homeless shelters."
“Since UC won’t meet its legal obligation to bargain in good faith, we have been left with no choice but to strike,” he added.
Local 3299 claims its members are among the lowest-paid at UC Health. Further, some staff are eligible for assistance through university housing programs—including many who are higher paid.
Despite what the union says is a serious need, its members are currently not eligible for the same support.
Other issues in dispute include wage increases, the duration of the new contract and the cost of medical coverage, which Local 3299 believes has become untenable and unsustainable, with healthcare workers left struggling to access care themselves.
Notably, many of the issues in dispute are common for labor negotiations between employers and employees. Representatives with the University of California deny many of the accusations made by union officials.
As required by law before any intent to walk off the job, Local 3299 is providing advance notice. It said it will keep the lines of communication open throughout the strike.
Some healthcare workers critical to patient care operations at UC Health will be exempt from the walkout as a sign of good faith, Local 3299 said.
Disputed claims of progress
In its own statement posted online, the University of California claims that “significant progress” has been made at the bargaining table, and that it is disappointed that the process will be disrupted by the open-ended strike.
"We remain committed to negotiating in good faith and reaching an agreement as quickly as possible so employees can begin receiving these benefits," the statement reads.
The university claims it has offered to cap and offset the rise in medical insurance premiums, and that there are wage increases planned to go into effect throughout the duration of any new contract.
In April 2025, UC offered a $25 minimum wage and a 5% wage increase. Local 3299 wanted to see a 32% pay bump over the next four years.
The union has vowed to strike for as long as is necessary to have its grievances addressed.
UC Health, through its six academic medical centers and dozens of clinics, cares for roughly 2.5 million patients each year throughout California.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.