AFSCME Local 3299 called off an open-ended strike scheduled to begin May 14 after reaching a tentative agreement with the University of California system overnight, both sides confirmed.
The union represents 42,000 service and patient-care workers across UC campuses and medical centers, including roughly 25,000 in UC Health hospitals and clinics. The group had been working without a contract since 2024.
The tentative deal sets a $26.50 hourly minimum in 2026 and projects a $30.10 floor by April 2029. It caps Kaiser Permanente premium increases at 7.5% and Blue & Gold increases at 5%. Permanent employees would receive a $1,500 one-time payment. Members will vote on ratification May 19 through May 21. The AFSCME bargaining team has recommended a “yes” vote.
UC Health operates six academic medical centers across California. A system-wide open-ended walkout would have been the largest there in more than a decade.
Sources: AFSCME 3299, May 14, 2026 · Daily Bruin
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