On February 26, 2025, and again on April 1st, thousands of University of California workers across the state hit the picket lines in a show of coordinated strength. Two unions—UPTE-CWA 9119 and AFSCME 3299—staged solidarity strikes to protest Unfair Labor Practices by the UC system. 

UPTE-CWA 9119 represents healthcare professionals, research professionals, and technical workers. AFSCME 3299, the largest union of UC employees, represents over 35,000 service workers, patient care technical workers, skilled craft workers, and other professionals. Together, they raised alarms over UC’s decision to hike insurance premiums outside of the bargaining table—an act that violates labor law. 

These decisions, made outside of contract negotiations, left workers without a say. Workers saw medication prices spike without warning—a financial burden that should have been up for negotiation, not imposed in silence. 

Between the UC’s Unfair Labor Practices and contracts that refuse to address staffing crisis, hiring freeze, pensions for new workers, career progression, work/life balance, fair pay, and job security, workers are rightfully standing together to get the university system to meet their demands.

On April 1st, they held a rally where workers, students, and community allies spoke up about the unfavorable working conditions at UC Riverside.

The strikes signal a growing frustration with UC’s handling of labor relations. For workers on the front lines of California’s world-class public university system, this isn’t just about dollars—it’s about respect, fairness, and holding powerful institutions accountable. 

Honor International Workers’ Day, join UC workers on the strike line at their upcoming action on Thursday, May 1st!

Add this event to your calendar here.