Unionized UC Santa Cruz service and patient care workers are staging a two-day strike involving thousands of workers across the University of California system, with picketing planned through Tuesday on campus.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3299, a union representing 40,000 university system employees called the strike after reaching an impasse with the university system over a new contract.
UCSC has more than 500 employees covered by AFSCME. Most are custodial and transportation workers; about 30 are patient care professionals.
The union and the university have been negotiating since January 2024 but reached a deadlock in April and haven’t sat down at the bargaining table since, after talks broke down over wages, the union said.
The UC disputed that it had refused to return to the bargaining table. Contract negotiations haven’t progressed because AFSCME has not made substantive counterproposals since April, UC Office of the President spokesperson Heather Hansen wrote in an email.
She added that the UC hiked wages and health care credits in June. In a statement posted to its website, the UC said it had previously offered wages increases of more than 28% over five years.
Per the UC Santa Cruz website, both campus entrances are expected to remain open, but drivers should expect traffic. Campus transit services are significantly reduced and limited, with Metro buses driving passengers only to the base of campus.
During the strike, Dining Services will remain open, with operating locations and hours changing based on staffing and resources. The Student Health Center will remain open for appointments, with a reduced number of appointments.
The UCSC Academic Senate has urged instructors to keep classes flexible during the strike, and students should check directly with instructors for updates.
Campus community members can find up-to-date information on the UC Santa Cruz website.
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FOR THE RECORD: This story was updated with a statement from the UC Office of the President.
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