LOS ANGELES—More than 40,000 University of California (UC) employees began a two-day strike on Nov. 17 at 18 campuses and medical facilities statewide over what they say is the university’s failure to negotiate a contract addressing the cost of living.
Workers formed picket lines at the University of California–Los Angeles (UCLA) campus, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, and the UCLA Santa Monica Hospital on Nov. 17.
The two-day action was scheduled to formally end on Nov. 18 at 11:59 p.m.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, which represents more than 40,000 UC service and patient care technical workers, is leading the action. AFSCME Local 3299 reported that its members—including custodians, food service workers, patient care assistants, and hospital technicians—have been working without a contract for more than a year.
The union says its members are fighting for higher wages because their current rates have not kept pace with inflation, making it difficult to pay bills and rent. Union officials argue that some members have left their jobs because of low wages, which in turn has fueled a growing staff vacancy crisis within the UC system.
“During nearly two years of bargaining, UC has spent billions of dollars acquiring new facilities, lavishing exorbitant raises on its wealthiest executives and funding housing assistance programs to help these same ivory tower elites buy mansions or second homes—but it won’t offer its frontline workers enough to pay the rent or keep pace with the skyrocketing costs of groceries,” Michael Avant, president of AFSCME Local 3299, said in a statement.
“Our members have had enough of UC’s serial elitism, tone deafness and blatant disrespect for the workers who make this institution run, and that’s why they will strike at every UC campus and medical center on Nov. 17 and 18.”
Although UC anticipates that the strike may cause disruptions, officials said facilities would remain open.
“Our hospitals and clinics have contingency plans in place to ensure patients continue to receive safe, high-quality care, although some surgeries, treatments and appointments may face delays,” UC said in a statement issued on Nov. 6.
On Nov. 17, the university issued a statement saying: “In July, after 16 months of good-faith negotiations and completion of all state-required impasse procedures, UC implemented key terms from its last, best, and final offer to ensure these employees receive meaningful and immediate pay and benefit increases. Under the terms implemented, all AFSCME-represented employees now earn at least $25 an hour, effective July 2025 and receive up to $1,500 per year in health care premium credits.
“Previously, UC had made significant wage increase proposals totaling 28 percent over five years, including across-the-board and step increases.
“Despite UC’s continued outreach, AFSCME has not presented any substantive counterproposals since April 2025. Absent AFSCME’s engagement, the University cannot engage in meaningful negotiations for this critical workforce. Nonetheless, we remain hopeful and committed to working towards a fair and sustainable agreement that supports our employees and advances the University’s mission of service, education, and research.”
Some 25,000 UC nurses represented by the California Nurses Association had been expected to join the strike, but that union reached a tentative contract agreement with the UC over the weekend and canceled plans to participate in the labor action.
A third union that planned to join the action rescinded its strike notice pending a membership ratification vote after reaching a tentative agreement with UC on Nov. 8.
University Professional and Technical Employees–Communications Workers of America Local 9119, representing 19,664 health care, research, and technical professionals, began bargaining in June 2024, before a contract expiration on Oct. 31, 2024.
A federal monitor brokered the agreement, which provides an estimated 28 percent pay bump over the next four years, increases pension contributions, and caps health care premium increases. The agreement also enhances career advancement opportunities and makes some work-life balance adjustments.
The UPTE union said it would support its colleagues as they strike.
