The union, which represents 37,000 workers across the UC system, has yet to announce a strike date
By KHADEEJAH KHAN — campus@theaggie.org
On Oct. 17, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 (AFSCME 3299) announced that they have voted to authorize a strike, alleging unfair labor practices, lack of a fair contract and bad faith negotiations by the University of California (UC).
AFSCME 3299 represents more than 37,000 service, patient care and skilled craft workers. In the 2024-2025 academic year, the union went on strike four times, with their most recent strike on May 1. AFSCME 3299 has yet to announce a date for their next strike.
The union has gone without a contract for over a year. According to UC Office of the President spokesperson Heather Hansen, the UC presented their “last, best, and final offer” in April, proposing a 5-year contract and $600 million in wage increases.
However, the offer failed to address several issues, including inflation, call pay, healthcare premiums and parking, according to AFSCME 3299.
“Our workers are the backbone of the University, but they aren’t being treated with the dignity they deserve,” Communications Associate at AFSCME 3299 Dara Streit said via email. “Instead of coming to the table ready to hear our concerns, UC implemented their own unfair terms back in July.”
“Their last offer isn’t just inadequate — it’s disrespectful,” Streit said. “No inflation adjustment. No housing benefits for frontline workers. Removing caps on increasing our healthcare costs. They’re offering crumbs and expecting us to say ‘thank you for this meal.’”
Hansen wrote via email that the UC is “disappointed” with the union’s decision to authorize a strike following negotiations.
“At a time when the University is under considerable and unprecedented financial pressure, we hope AFSCME [3299] will stand with us, not against us, as we work to preserve fairness for employees and stability for the entire UC community,” Hansen said.
The union has filed unfair labor practice charges against the UC, most recently at UC San Diego and UC San Francisco after workers were laid off without notice. The union has also raised attention to the UC’s distribution of $530 million in low-interest home loans to over 500 executives and faculty.
“UC has proven it can provide housing assistance for workers; it just chooses not to for frontline workers,” Streit said.
Written by: Khadeejah Khan — campus@theaggie.org
