Portside

University of California student-care doctors went on strike Tuesday to protest unfair labor practices.

New leadership, a Membership Action Team organizing plan, and a 22 month contract campaign that included two strikes, produce a strong bargaining agreement covering 22,000 hospital and campus workers at the University of California. The new contract offers protections against subcontracting, limits on temporary workers, wage increases, and "strong benefits," among other items.

University of California campuses and medical centers were hit with a one day strike on Wednesday,November 20 by AFSCME Local 3299 which represents 22,000 Service and Patient Care Technical Workers. Local 3299 says the central issue is safe staffing.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Workers Local 3299 plan a one day strike on Wednesday at the University of California to protest intimidation of workers who participated in a 2 day strike in May.

The UC health-care system boasts nearly $7 billion in operating revenue, but management wants to create a two-tier pension system for workers, while executives get yearly pension payouts of as much as $300,000. The union is demanding stronger protection against subcontracting. Workers also want more of a voice in staffing and patient care matters.