UC workers compete in California a two-day strike

Santa Cruz, California – – –

Thousands of workers from the University of California, including UC Santa Cruz, began a two-day strike today to demand better payment and working conditions.

Hundreds of people gathered all over UC Santa Cruz – sure that their voices were heard.

High Street and Bay Drive were full of demonstrators who honked signs and cars to support them.

Janet Mucino, who has been working for the university in Dining Food Services for 24 years, expressed her frustration.

“You do not give us an increase … you go to the negotiating table without preparation or offer. The cost of living all over Santa Cruz County is so high and I am also a cancer survivor,” said Mucino. “All medications cost a lot.”

Other employees shared similar concerns about the high cost of living and stagnating wages.

“I work at two jobs seven days a week so that my rent has only risen. Everything is increasing, but my payment does not have it that it affects my health and my personal life,” said protester Christopher Contreras.

“I just try to combat the unfair practices that UCSC has and only wants to be able to live in California,” added Protesters Kenyatte Edmonds.

The strike affects almost 40,000 UC workers on every UC campus and on any medical facility in the whole state.

Contracts for more than 37,000 patient care employees left in 2024 and the union has been negotiating for over a year.

Sebastian Valdez, a student of UC Santa Cruz, joined the protest to support the workers.

“I think that as students we spend too much money on the university to treat the workers like this.

In a statement, the university expressed disappointment about the actions of the union.

“Both unions have decided to concentrate their energy on the preparation of strike and the strengthening of misinformation instead of negotiating in good faith.”

The strike will continue tomorrow from 6 a.m.

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