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Nearly 40,000 UC Healthcare Workers Strike Over Wages, Costs

Nearly 40,000 healthcare workers across the University of California system began a two-day strike on Wednesday, protesting rising healthcare costs and wages they say fail to keep pace with California’s living expenses. The striking workers, including pharmacy technicians, housekeepers, and food service staff, argue that UC’s spending priorities favor infrastructure over frontline staff. Isaac Zamora, a respiratory therapist at UC San Diego Medical Center, criticized the system for increasing workers' medical costs without adequate negotiation. "They're investing in buildings, but not in workers," Zamora said, highlighting the financial struggles many employees face. UC officials countered these claims, pointing to a proposed $25-an-hour minimum wage starting in July 2025, a 5% pay raise, healthcare premium credits, and expanded leave benefits. They also emphasized that the strike would have minimal impact on patient care. However, some patients voiced frustration, describing disruptions caused by picketers outside medical facilities. The strike highlights ongoing tensions between UC workers and management, as both sides debate solutions to pressing issues like wage disparities and healthcare affordability. Negotiations remain critical as the strike enters its second day.

By: NBC Palm Springs

November 21, 2024

UC healthcare strikeUC hospitalsCalifornia healthcare workersunion strikewageshealthcare costsIsaac ZamoraUC medical campuses
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Nearly 40,000 UC Healthcare Workers Strike Over Wages, Costs