UCSF optometrists and supporters were on the picket lines Tuesday, striking against the University of California for what they say are unfair labor practices.
The union representing the optometrists is calling out the UC system for its conduct during contract negotiations, with similar pickets taking place at UC Davis and UCLA.
The strike is expected to continue Wednesday, after which the optometrists plan to return to work.
Ginger Conejero Saab has the full report in the video above.
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Here's a UC statement provided on Tuesday:
"The University of California respects the rights of employees to organize and is committed to good faith bargaining across our system with unions, including the University Professional and Technical Employees Union (UPTE).
The University and UPTE have a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in place. The parties will not begin bargaining the terms and conditions of the CBA until this summer; however, we are currently bargaining the addition of approximately 80 optometrists to the UPTE unit. The University did not oppose UPTE's 2022 petition to add these 83 positions to its Health Care Professionals (HX) unit, and the UC values the critical services they provide to patients across the system. The University has met with UPTE 11 times since the beginning of 2023 to work through issues associated with integrating the Optometrists into the HX unit.
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During this limited integration bargaining process, we’ve reached a tentative agreement on some issues, such as incentive compensation. Although unresolved items remain, we believe existing bargaining processes and channels provide the mechanisms for fair and honest negotiation of critical issues, meaningful dialogue, and for each side to reach mutually beneficial agreements.
We’re disappointed that the optometrists added to the HX unit are choosing to hold this work stoppage from February 6-8.
The University believes the planned UTPE action related to this limited group of employees is an unlawful exercise by the union since their contract contains a no-strike clause that prevents work stoppages and requires the union to prevent disruptive behavior. Violating that clause erodes mutual respect, creates unnecessary adversity and impacts the continuity of care for California patients seeking optometry care.
We remain confident that the University is an excellent employer for health care professionals. An integral part of those efforts is our commitment to good-faith negotiations and reaching an agreement regarding the integration of these optometrists to the current HX CBA– an agreement that ensures that these health care professionals feel valued and know that they are an essential part of our labor force. We are committed to ongoing bargaining now and again this summer when the parties begin full collective bargaining negotiations.
Notifications for impacted patients are handled independently by each location."
