Members of a union representing more than 22,000 University of California workers voted this week to authorize a strike to protest what they said are unfair UC labor practices, according to a statement from the union released Friday.
About 96 percent of members who voted from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees 3299 union were in favor of authorizing a strike. Thousands of members voted in favor of a strike, according to the union’s press release.
Union members have claimed that UC officials coerced and threatened patient care and service workers in the weeks leading up to the union’s first strike, which occurred back in May of this year. They said some UC officials threatened workers with job termination if the workers went on strike.
“Our membership stands united for a workplace that is free of illegal intimidation against employees who stand up for the safety of the students and patients they serve,” said AFSCME 3299 President Kathryn Lybarger in the statement. “We believe UC should be held accountable for their serial law breaking.”
Dianne Klein, UC spokeswoman, said the University has three bargaining sessions scheduled with two AFSCME union groups next week.
“We’re hoping that they come to the bargaining table in good faith as we have done,” Klein said. “There’s a chance to avoid this conflict and we hope that that happens next week.”
The vote to authorize a strike does not automatically mean the union will organize a strike. In the event of a strike, the union said it would form a patient protection task force to help ensure patient safety in case of emergencies.
Compiled by Kristen Taketa, Bruin senior staff.