The University of California’s largest union representing over 37,000 service and patient care workers is on strike for the next two days (November 20-21) over Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs) by the UC, with workers engaging in pickets across all ten UC campuses and five medical centers.
Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3299 overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike last month after the UC increased workers’ healthcare costs by 9-11% and the union filed ULP charges with the California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB).
This post, updated by members of our News Department, seeks to provide up-to-date information and developments regarding the AFSCME 3299 strike, and will be periodically updated.
Live Feed:
3:30pm – AFSCME 3299 prepares for another march
Chanting “Union, power,” striking workers prepare to start another march from Bruin Plaza. AFSCME 3299 has returned to the Luskin Conference Center, picketing around the building’s perimeter.
1:45pm – Workers end march in Bruin Plaza
Workers have made their way back to Bruin Plaza after a march through the Charles E. Young Dr campus loop.
Picketers chanted “We’ve got the power, what kind of power? Union power, union power!” and “32, 99!” during this march.
1:37pm – Workers march back towards campus; UAW Rank & File members join the picket line
As the picket moves from the vicinity of Ronald Reagan Medical Center towards the Luskin Conference Center, members from UAW 4811 Rank & File for a Democratic Union have joined the AFSCME 3299 picket in solidarity with the striking workers. UAW 4811 Rank & File has been a vocal group on campus for labor rights and divestment from firms tied to Israel’s war in Gaza.
Other labor organizations that have come to the picket recently include members of UPTE-CWA 9119, providing food and support for the striking hospital workers outside Ronald Reagan Medical Center. The union is on strike at UCSF for the next two days, but not at UCLA.
CSC security officers are present at the scene.
1:30pm – USAC passes letter of support for AFSCME 3299 strike
Earlier today, USAC passed a letter in support for the AFSCME 3299 strike taking place today (11/20) and tomorrow (11/21).
Standing in solidarity with UC workers, USAC “supports AFSCME 3299’s contract demands… that meets the needs of workers on campus,” as stated in their message.
1:15pm – Striking workers starting back up in Bruin Plaza
AFSCME 3299 picketers are continuing their march, starting in Bruin Plaza and moving through campus to the Luskin Conference Center.
Picketers chant “3299!” and “who are we, AFSCME!” outside of the Luskin Conference Center.
9:25am – Striking workers moving back down Bruin Walk
AFSCME 3299 picketers have started to head back from the Hill, marching back to central campus down Bruin Walk.
8:45am – Picketers continue to move across campus, towards the Hill [Updated 9:05am]
Striking workers have continued to march to the western side of campus, heading towards the Hill, where the majority of student housing is located. AFSCME 3299 has since picketed in various locations across the Hill, including De Neve Plaza and Rieber Court.
8:10am – AFSCME 3299 picketers move to Luskin Conference Center
The AFSCME 3299 pickets, which began at 6 a.m. in Bruin Plaza, are marching from Bruin Plaza to chants of “Union Power!” Striking workers are currently marching around the Luskin Conference Center.
Picketers chant “if we don’t get it, shut it down!,” while hospital workers continue their pickets outside the Ronald Reagan Medical Center.
12:00am – AFSCME Local 3299 strike begins
AFSCME Local 3299 is now officially on strike. Workers who are currently in the middle of a shift will continue working until it is scheduled to end. Pickets are expected to begin at 6 a.m. in Bruin Plaza and outside the Ronald Reagan Medical Center.
Contributing reports by:
Ella Mitchell
Ellis Wren
