20,000 University of California Workers Vote Whether to STRIKE Statewide

MEDIA ADVISORY for Tuesday, May 20th, 2008
Contact: Allison Sirny-Guevara, 831 239-2898

20,000 University of California Workers Vote Whether to STRIKE Statewide

Throughout the University of California's five hospital/ten campus system, 20,000 patient care and service workers will vote from May 17th to May 22nd on whether to strike. After ten months of negotiating for equal pay for equal work, the workers reached impasse with UC Executives last week. Results will be announced at a press conference on Friday, May 23rd, and a strike could begin as soon as ten days later.

In the midst of ongoing executive pay scandals, UC's administration is once again being denounced for misplaced priorities. Medical and service workers report that lack of competitive wages is impacting the University's ability to retain its best staff, negatively impacting quality patient care and student services, The 20,000 workers do everything from assisting in surgery to cleaning campus dorms. UC medical centers are bleeding experienced patient care staff to other hospitals where pay is dramatically higher, and campus service workers live in poverty with wages as low as $10 per hour. Other hospitals and California's community colleges pay an average of 25% higher for the same work.

At UC hospitals, healthcare workers are concerned that lack of competitive pay is contributing to high-turnover, staffing shortages, and over-reliance on temps, compromising patient care and increasing the risk of complications. For service staff at the campuses and hospitals, wages are low enough for workers to qualify for public assistance. Many live in poverty and are forced to work two jobs, taking time away from their families and communities.

"No one wants to strike, but UC Executives are not prioritizing quality patient care and the ability to support our families, said Lakesha Harrison, Licensed Vocational Nurse & President of AFSCME 3299, "No one wants to get rich, we just want equal pay for equal work. Other hospitals and community colleges pay about 25% higher, and UC is losing quality staff that we train to those other institutions."

UC hospitals profited $371 million in 2006, UC Executive pay continues to rise with salaries topping $646K, bonuses as high as $83K, and total compensation of up to $924,642. State funds comprise only 8.6% of the funding for the 20,000 patient care and service workers. According to CA State-appointed neutral Factfinder Carol Vendrillo, who independently evaluated the viability of a service workers' labor agreement, said, "U.C. has demonstrated the ability to increase compensation when it fits with certain priorities without any demonstrable link to a state funding source…It is time for UC to take a broader view of its priorities by honoring the important contribution that service workers make to the U.C. community and compensating them with wages that are in line with the competitive market rate."

WHAT: 20,000 University of CA workers vote whether to STRIKE
WHEN: 11:30am - 1pm, Tuesday, May 20th, 2008
WHERE: Baytree Bookstore (near the Student Union), 1156 High Street in Santa Cruz
PHOTO: Dozens of workers assemble and insert votes in ballot boxes

The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3299, AFL-CIO represents 20,000 patient care and service workers at UC including licensed vocational nurses, medical techs and assistants, respiratory therapists, custodians, cafeteria workers, and security officers.
2201 Broadway Ave, Suite 315, Oakland, CA 94612, (510) 844-1160, media@afscme3299.org
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