University of California hospital and campus workers to begin open-ended strike May 14

AFSCME Local 3299 — the largest UC employee union, representing more than 42,000 service and patient-care workers — has announced an open-ended system-wide strike beginning 14 May 2026 across all 10 UC campuses, the five UC medical centers, plus research labs and clinics. Membership includes custodians, food-service workers, patient-care assistants, respiratory therapists, LVNs and hospital technicians. The union cites UC's refusal to bargain on housing aid for the lowest-paid workers and unilateral healthcare-rate hikes; AFSCME 3299 workers have been without a contract since 2024. UC says its proposals include wage increases of 32% or more through 2029. The union will exempt some critical-care roles and create a patient-protection task force.