Does it seem like our union brothers and sisters are always on strike at the University of California campuses?

There are a couple reasons it may feel that way. 

First, the UC system is the largest employer in the state, with 10 campuses, five medical centers and research labs across the state employing more than 210,000 workers.

That includes 15 systemwide bargaining units, including UAW 4811 for the postdoctoral scholars, academic and graduate student researchers as well as academic student employees, Teamsters 2010 for administrative and skilled trades workers, UPTE-CWA 9119 for health care and research support professionals and technical workers, CNA for registered nurses, UC-AFT for professional librarians and lecturers, and AFSCME 3299 for patient care technical and service workers. 

All told, these systemwide bargaining units represent more than 137,000 employees in the UC system.

Second, the UC system has a history of acting as a less-than-ideal partner. 

Despite being funded with tax dollars – with billions of dollars in their reserves – and governed by the Constitution, the UC system has time and again sought to interfere with workers’ constitutional rights to organize and collectively bargain. 

They have made threats and issued disciplinary actions against workers engaged in protected activities, and refused to negotiate with workers in good faith. 

These Unfair Labor Practices have led UC workers with no choice but to strike. 

Which leads us to May 1, May Day. 

On that day, AFSCME Local 3299 and UPTE-CWA Local 9119, representing tens of thousands of UC workers, will picket at all 10 UC campus locations, as well as at all five medical centers. 

Now is the time to show some solidarity with our union sisters and brothers in the UC system! Show up in union colors and be ready to take to the picket line to show the UC system that workers will NOT be intimidated by them! 

More information about the May 1 strike can be found here. You can visit here to RSVP.

In Solidarity, 

Lorena Gonzalez