As protests outside University of California hospitals moved into its second day, service workers in green on picket lines were joined by a range of nurses and lab workers. The union representing the hospital workers, Unite Here Local 26, said it was prepared to walk off the job if negotiations with UC failed to produce an agreement that would protect their jobs. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) protesting what it says is the forced imposition of a 2 percent raise for service workers after the union failed to accept a 3 percent pay rise offered by university negotiators. University hospitals across the state have done what they can to reduce the number of patients in beds during the strike, rescheduling hundreds of elective procedures. Instead the AFSCME is pushing for a wage increase closer to 6 percent, with improved commitments on hiring and outsourcing of jobs private for-profit companies. The move by nurses and lab workers to join the protesters comes amid Janus versus AFSCME Council 31, a federal lawsuit now before the U.S. Supreme Court that attempts to undo requirements in 21 states requiring all public employees in unionized professions to pay union dues. University hospitals across the state have attempted to reduce the number of patients in hospital beds and rescheduling hundreds of elective procedures but its has not been entirely successful.
As protests outside University of California hospitals moved into its second day, service workers in green on picket lines were joined by a range of nurses and lab workers. The union representing the hospital workers, Unite Here Local 26, said it was prepared to walk off the job if negotiations with UC failed to produce an agreement that would protect their jobs. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) protesting what it says is the forced imposition of a 2 percent raise for service workers after the union failed to accept a 3 percent pay rise offered by university negotiators. Instead the AFSCME is pushing for a wage increase closer to 6 percent, with improved commitments on hiring and outsourcing of jobs private for-profit companies. The move by nurses and lab workers to join the protesters comes amid Janus versus AFSCME Council 31, a federal lawsuit now before the U.S. Supreme Court that attempts to undo requirements in 21 states requiring all public employees in unionized professions to pay union dues. University hospitals across the state have attempted to reduce the number of patients in hospital beds and rescheduling hundreds of elective procedures but its has not been entirely successful.