The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME, Local 3299 went on strike for two days from Nov. 20 to Nov. 21 at Bruin Plaza to protest unfair labor practices.
The union represents approximately 37,000 workers in patient care, skilled crafts and additional services across the University of California system. This includes dining, custodial, groundskeeping and storekeeping activities at UCLA. The organization’s website claims the UC exercised bad-faith bargaining and unilaterally raised employees’ health care expenses.
Hundreds of people joined the demonstrations, wearing green shirts to express solidarity with the movement. They carried colorful picket signs that displayed the AFSCME logo and the phrases “ON STRIKE” and “UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE” in bold letters. Tents placed in Bruin Plaza supplied snacks and water bottles to participants.
Workers chanted, used megaphones and rang cowbells as they marched along campus areas like Pauley Pavilion and the Luskin Hotel. They sang, “UC, UC, you’re no good, treat your workers like you should.” Some held green-and-yellow banners conveying the organization’s commitment to “equity and justice.”
Protestors also entered Kerckhoff Hall and Ackerman Union while shouting, “UC, UC, you can’t hide. We can see your greedy side.” Others announced, “We’ve got the power, union power” and “Who runs UC? We run UC.”
Demonstrators continued near Murphy Hall and Dodd Hall. More strikes occurred at local health facilities such as the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center.
AFSCME Local 3299 advocates for social justice and economic advancement, emphasizing the value of togetherness to create a powerful voice. It has supported UC employees since 1948 and experienced notable victories in the past. For example, the union obtained impressive staffing safeguards and salary boosts in 2014. It acquired increased sick leave during more recent contract negotiations. Members champion the rights to possess steady retirement plans, be free from discrimination and assemble to secure their liberties.
The AFSCME strike impacted UCLA Housing operations, particularly affecting food services. The online dining menu stated several restaurants to be closed during the expected two-day period of the demonstrations, including Bruin Plate, Bruin Café, Café 1919, Rendezvous, The Drey and The Study at Hedrick.
De Neve Residential Restaurant, Epicuria at Covel and Feast at Rieber remained open. Likewise, the food trucks at Sproul and Rieber Turnarounds were available for dinner and extended dinner on both days.
In all, the walkouts were quite successful in heightening students’ awareness of workers’ rights and ongoing disputes between the union and the UC.
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Featured Image Photographed by Edward Ho/Daily Bruin
