In late February 2025, nearly 60,000 employees across the University of California's (UC) 10 campuses and five medical centers initiated a multi-day strike, citing grievances over alleged unfair labor practices, staffing shortages, and wage concerns. The striking workers, represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3299 and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) CWA Local 9119, include healthcare professionals, research staff, and technical employees.

AFSCME Local 3299, representing approximately 37,000 employees—including respiratory therapists, pharmacy technicians, mental health workers, custodians, and gardeners—filed new charges with the state's Public Employment Relations Board, alleging that UC management engaged in unfair labor practices. The union claims the university implemented arbitrary rules aimed at silencing workers and limiting their access to union representatives. Michael Avant, President of AFSCME Local 3299, stated, "Instead of addressing the decline in real wages that has fueled the staff exodus at UC Medical Centers and Campuses at the bargaining table, UC has chosen to illegally implement arbitrary ... ."

UPTE-CWA Local 9119, representing about 20,000 employees—including physician assistants, optometrists, and mental health workers—accused the university of attempting "to silence whistleblowers ... ."

The University of California has denied these allegations, stating that it supports the unions' right to ... . The university claims to have offered each union "meaningful ... , and other incentives in response to ... . In a statement, the university expressed disappointment over the strike, stating, "Both unions have chosen to focus their ... ."

The strike led to significant disruptions across the UC system. At UCLA, dining hall operations were affected, with only three dining halls—De Neve Residential Restaurant, Epicuria at Covel, and Feast at Rieber—remaining open during the strike. Students reported longer wait times and limited food options. Additionally, maintenance and janitorial services were impacted, leading to changes in bathroom cleaning schedules and other housing operations.

This strike follows a previous two-day strike in November 2024, during which both AFSCME Local 329 and UPTE-CWA Local 9119 protested against similar issues, including alleged unfair bargaining tactics by the university. The contracts for AFSCME Local and UPTE-CWA Local 9119 expired on July 31 and October 31, 2024, respectively.

The strike highlights ongoing tensions between labor unions and large public institutions over issues such as fair wages, staffing levels, and workers' rights to voice concerns without fear of retaliation. The disruption of services at UC medical centers and campuses underscores the critical role that these workers play in the daily operations of the university system and the potential impact on students, patients, and the broader community when labor disputes arise.

As of now, negotiations between the unions and UC management are ongoing, with both sides expressing a desire to reach a resolution that addresses the concerns raised by the workers while ensuring the continued operation of the university's facilities and services.