University of California Underscores Good-Faith Negotiations as Unions Opt for Strikes

UPTE, CNA, and AFSCME's announcement of a coordinated two-day systemwide strike is an attempt to pressure the University into accepting unreasonable wage and benefit demands that would put UC in a financially precarious position and jeopardize its mission of teaching, research and public service. We are disappointed that union leaders have chosen this path after months of effort and repeated progress at the bargaining table.

UC has been bargaining in good faith for 17 months with UPTE and 21 months with AFSCME and remains in active negotiations with CNA. Across all tables, UC has presented strong, competitive proposals that include significant wage increases, enhanced health care subsidies, and improved benefits. These repeated offers, totaling billions of dollars in additional costs, come at a time when the University faces unprecedented financial challenges.

UC has consistently shown up ready to negotiate, compromise, and implement real improvements that reflect our genuine value for our employees. Despite these efforts, union leaders have refused to engage constructively and have chosen disruptive strike activity that will not move negotiations forward.

While these strikes may cause disruptions, UC will 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.

The University of California has a proven history of reaching fair agreements that reward employees and sustain its mission. That commitment remains unchanged. UC stands ready to return to the table and finalize fair, responsible agreements that work for employees and the entire UC community.

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