GEORGIA ENGLE
Thousands of University of California healthcare workers and hospital employees across the state went on strike from Feb. 26 to 28, demanding higher pay and claiming that the University engaged in unfair labor practices.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) were the two labor unions participating in the strike. AFSCME represents 37,000 workers in California, and UPTE represents nearly 20,000 employees. While the unions are separate organizations, both are negotiating their contracts which expired last year.
According to UCSF, AFSCME Local 3299 represents approximately 5,700 employees at UCSF and its affiliated sites. The employees include phlebotomists, infusionists, O.R. specialists, respiratory therapists, patient care assistants, pharmacy technicians, lab technicians, custodians, shuttle drivers and food service workers.
UPTE Local 9119 represents approximately 4,000 UCSF employees and includes pharmacists, social workers, case managers, optometrists, staff research associates, clinical research coordinators and technical support employees.
On Feb. 21, the University released a statement that said, “The University of California is disappointed that AFSCME and UPTE plan to strike. Both unions have chosen to focus their energy on strike preparation and amplifying misinformation rather than negotiating in good faith.”
Ellie Carpenter is a 2023 USF alum and a clinical research coordinator at UCSF. “There are so many essential jobs in patient care and medical research represented by the union,” Carpenter continued, “UPTE’s demands in this negotiation are essential for ensuring that the amazing, qualified people in these roles can have a lasting career here.”
In San Francisco, 6,000 people represented by AFSCME joined the picket line, according to KQED. Edgar P. is a member of AFSCME and participated in the strike. Edgar is a retired surgical technician who worked at the UCSF Parnassus campus for 25 years; he participated in five strikes throughout his career. “I’m proud to be a union member and to have never crossed a picket line. We all win when we stick together,” said Edgar. He continued, “We are also fighting for the well being of our patients. Our demands benefit the patients.”
A patient care assistant (PCA), who the Foghorn has granted anonymity due to her concern of retaliation from her employer, has worked at UCSF since 2005. She was participating in the strike for higher pay as she has not received a step increase (a salary raise an employee receives based on their length of service within their current job) in eight years, but her health insurance and general cost of living have steadily increased.
She explained that there is a staffing shortage in the hospital that is affecting her and her coworkers. “When we work for only four hours, we are so tired and done. I have to take Tylenol every night because I’m lifting patients all day by myself and I am so sore.” She continued, “I almost died here. I was hospitalized for COVID which I contracted from a patient. I didn’t receive any compensation for it, even though it was job related.”
Arquimides Rodriguez is a patient transport technician at UCSF. “I have to work overtime to be able to pay for everything at the end of the month,” said Rodriguez, who has been working at UCSF for 22 years.
The University proposed a contract with a salary increase of 5% in 2025, 4% in 2026, and 3% in 2027, 2028, and 2029, totaling 18% over the course of the contract. Hourly pay would increase to $25 an hour by July 1 for 7,378 AFSCME represented UC employees. According to KQED, “The unions have said the proposals are insufficient and suggested wage increases do not accurately reflect the increased cost of living.” According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index for Urban consumers for the San Francisco area rose 2.4% in 2024. The bargains are ongoing.
Reflecting on the strike, Carpenter said, “I’m hopeful. It was a great turn out all three days.”
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