Thousands of UC workers start a strike lasting several days

Los Angeles (CNS) – Almost 60,000 workers from the University of California, which are represented by two unions, are on the strike on Wednesday, since both unions claim unfair labor practices, and the university accuse them of spreading misinformation and not negotiating according to good faith .

Around 37,000 UC service and patient care staff represented by AFSCME LOCAL 3299 will take part in a two-day strike. On all 10 UC campus, including UCLA and UC Irvine, and medical institutions are expected nationwide in the UC.

“Instead of dealing with the decline in real wages that the staff Exodus fueled in UC Medical Centers and Campus at the negotiating table, UC has decided to arbitrarily implement arbitrary rules on the silence of employees who restrict concerns, illegally implementing their access Restrict to union representatives. in a statement in which the strike was announced. “UCS obviously illegal actions disturb the freedom of speech of the employees. It is time that the university listens to us and does constructive negotiations instead of an intimidation tactic. Therefore, the employees will exercise their legal right of strike.”

The union's contract with the university has expired in 2024, and negotiations on a new deal have not been concluded since last year.

In the meantime, Upte-CWA Local 9119 started around 20,000 UC health, research and technical specialists, which are represented by specialists and technical employees at the university, a three-day strike on Wednesday, which is also on all UC campus and medical centers acted. Upte's contract expired at the end of October, and negotiations have been lasted for eight months, according to the union.

Dan Russell, the nationwide president and chief negotiator of Upte, said in a statement that the university “refused to conduct a sensible dialogue or to give material counter -proposals”.

“Due to the persistent unfair unfair work practices of the UC, we are forced to pipe as a patient and research representative in a personnel crisis that threatens patient care and critical research – while the university floods billions in capital projects and in capital projects and inflate with 40 top salaries % “, Said Russell. “Upte members will not allow UC to pull out negotiations indefinitely, and we have made it clear that we are more than ready to hold back our work if necessary to take our concerns seriously. Instead of with us The whistleblower is silent to employ UC IS who fight for our patients.

UC officers have made an explanation that the university was “disappointed” in the decision of the unions.

“Both unions have decided to concentrate their energy on striking preparation and the strengthening of misinformation instead of negotiating in good faith,” said the university. “We have meaningful, wage increases, revenue reveners in healthcare and other offers to address the problems you have given directly.

“In addition, we have also continued to say goodbye in good faith and are disappointed that Afscme and upgrade are still not willing to do the same. Ups the same month, could not take part in the recent negotiating session and a declared cul -de -sac could not take part Before the reaction to our offers.

“While both Afscme and Upte say that the UC returns to the table, the successful solution of these contracts depends on their willingness to do productive negotiations. The university will do everything possible to impact patients, faculties and the effects The effects of strikes, faculties and ensure that employees are reduced.