University of California doctors at the northern campus student health centers went on strike over Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs) April 9, and doctors at the Southern California campuses were set to strike April 11.
The doctors, members of AFSCME’s Union of American Physicians and Dentists, voted to strike from April 9-15. It is their second strike this year because of ULPs. Negotiations started in 2013, but UC has not bargained in good faith, the union says.
“The students deserve better health care and the costs should not be put on the backs of the students,” said Dr. Jeff Nelson, a UAPD bargaining team member and physician at UC Berkeley. “Last year in one day UC Berkeley raised $5 million in what they call the “Big Give.” But less than $500 was raised for student health. They could have raised much more than that for student health, but they didn’t even ask.”
Bad-faith bargaining tactics by UC forced UAPD to hold a one-day ULP strike in January. Shortly after UAPD returned to the bargaining table, UC continued with their old tricks, unfairly withholding financial information needed to reach their first agreement.
“A ULP strike is the only way to compel UC to follow the laws that govern bargaining,” explained UAPD Pres. Stuart A. Bussey, M.D., in an interview with a local news outlet. “Unfortunately, UC has a history of disrespecting workers during negotiations, and we’re no exception to that.”
Doctors, students, parents, community supporters and other UC employees gathered on UC campuses in Northern and Southern California to urge the university to prioritize student health and give students access to the care they deserve.