The union representing patient care technical workers and service workers in two units employed by the University of California system has called a five-day strike, which began July 14. Negotiations between the University of California and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 have been ongoing since August 2007 for the patient care technical unit and since October 2007 for the service unit. According to the Governor’s Office, representatives of the University of California have offered pay raises to patient care workers averaging 30 percent over five years and raises for service employees which would (in addition to other raises received under their expired contract) total 8 percent between October 2007 and September 2008. After a state budget is passed, service employees would have the opportunity to further negotiate with University of California officials. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger criticized the workers for striking. “Public safety is my number one priority and this strike could affect the health and well being of many people who rely on the critical services provided by medical support staff,” he said.
