Can AFSCME legally strike the University at this time?

Striking is a serious matter, especially when it affects vital public services like patient care. State law requires that strikes should be considered only as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted. Strikes that pose a substantial and imminent threat to public health or safety are illegal under state law. Even if a strike is legal, it may be an unfair practice under state labor law.

UC believes a strike targeting patient care employees at UC medical centers would pose an imminent threat to public health and safety and improperly withhold health care from members of the public. UC also believes AFSCME has not, in good faith, explored all options through the bargaining process. Further UC considers it highly inappropriate for AFSCME to threaten patient care as a tactic in contract negotiation.