Strike Planned for University of California Campuses June 4 and 5, 2008
AFSCME alleges that wages of their workers within the UC system are up to 25% less than those paid for the same work at California's other hospitals and community colleges, and that this is leading to high-turnover and staffing problems. According to the California Employment Development Department, the average hourly wage for full-time service workers in the third quarter of 2007 was $22.15, while service workers within the UC system are paid as little as $10 per hour.
The UC system has attempted to file a temporary restraining order in an attempt to prevent the strike, claiming that it must attempt to protect the interests of patients and students who stand to be affected by the strike. Students interviewed at some campuses have shown concern that the strike seems calculated for the last two day of instruction of the spring quarter, with graduating students showing concern as to whether their commencements will be affected. AFSCME statements have attempted to reassure these worries, claiming that provisions have been put into place to allow certain key workers to cross the picket-line to assure patient safety.
UC officials have stated that workers participating in the strike will be held responsible:
"If any employee (including non-represented and all bargaining unit employees) scheduled to work on June 4 and 5 does not report to work on those days, we will presume the absence is strike related unless the absence was pre-approved by the supervisor or medical certification is provided documenting that the employee was sick on that day. If employees call in sick on the days of the strike (June 4 and 5), we will require that they provide medical documentation of the illness upon their return. Employees who are absent from work without authorization during a strike will not be paid for the absence."
The latest offer by UC officials includes an almost $25 million combined wage increase and an increase in minimum rates to $11.50-$12/hour depending on location.
Sources:
AFSCME Press Release
California EDD statistics program
UC's statement on restraining order
UCSC's statement on the strike
UC's current and recent offers
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- AFSCME claims wages in the UC system are up to 25% less than those paid elsewhere for the same work.
- June 4 and 5, 2008 are the last days of instruction for some UC campuses.