UC Santa Cruz is bracing for major disruptions on campus as some unionized workers prepare for a one-day strike next Tuesday, April 1, as part of a University of California systemwide job action affecting services from patient care to campus transportation.
The strike, announced by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union (AFSCME) and University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE), will involve workers from multiple sectors including dining, custodial, transportation, information technology, research and patient care services.
It is the second strike in recent weeks as contract negotiations between the UC system and the unions continue. The strikes come as the University of California faces a systemwide hiring freeze and several campuses have paused or curtailed graduate student admissions in the wake of the Trump administration’s cuts to education and research funding, as well as funding cuts planned by California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
At UCSC, officials say they are working to maintain essential operations while warning the campus community of likely service reductions. The university’s transit system will be particularly affected, with most shuttle services suspended and city buses potentially refusing to enter the main campus. Officials said they plan to prioritize disability van services while suspending bike shuttles and regional connectors. They warned that the transit disruptions would likely put pressure on campus parking.
UCSC’s Student Health Center will remain open but with reduced capacity, directing students with urgent needs to nearby off-campus facilities when necessary. Mental health services will focus primarily on crisis intervention, maintaining their 24/7 emergency response capabilities.
Campus dining locations will be open based on available staff. UCSC campus provost Lori Kletzer warned in an online statement that actions such as blocking access roads or preventing vehicles from entering campus are considered violations of the law and campus rules.
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