A state senator has demanded that the University of California quit threatening striking employees with disciplinary action, saying he will respond "appropriately" to any retaliation by the university.
Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco/San Mateo, sent a letter to President Mark Yudof today expressing concern and support for the striking service workers.
As part of job actions at the 10 UC campuses as well as medical centers, about 175 people picketed in front of UC Davis Medical Center on Stockton Boulevard today.
The strike began Monday, when an estimated an estimated 375 of 470 UC Davis Medical Center service employees walked off their jobs. More than 8,500 service employees are striking statewide.
University officials previously said that the strike violated a temporary restraining order issued by a San Francisco Superior Court judge on Friday prohibiting the strike.
Yee, however, said employees gave adequate notice and are within their rights to strike over wages, working conditions and basic equity.
"If even one worker is retaliated against or disciplined for exercising their right to strike, I will do everything in my power to appropriately respond to the University," Yee said in the written statement.
David Ong, a public information representative for the medical center, said the University of California's official position is that any worker who has an absence this week that was not previously approved or medically documented will face disciplinary action.
The strike has forced the closure of the hospital cafeteria and reduced bus shuttle service. Food is being prepared for patients, but not for visitors, Ong said.
Other services, such as clean linens for patients, are being handled by temporary workers and other employees who have volunteered to take on extra duties.
The strike is not disrupting the hospital's ability to function, Ong said.
"Our patient care areas are fully functioning as normal," he said, adding that the emergency department is open as well.
Service workers, who are represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, are asking for guaranteed overtime pay, a step system for salaries, uniform statewide wages and wage increases.
The strike of housekeeping, cafeteria and security workers affects the University of California's 10 campuses and five medical centers.
Yee called the university's position "unconscionable."
"The wages of these workers are dramatically behind other hospitals and California's community colleges, where workers average 25 percent more for the same work," Yee stated. "UC hospitals made over $371 million in profits last year, yet they refuse to provide the workers a fair wage. While UC executives live high on the hog, workers, students, and patients are left in the cold."
Call The Bee's Niesha Lofing, (916) 321-1270.
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