UCLA Health open and operational during union strike
Updated November 18, 2024
A union representing UCLA Health employees has asked its members to strike across the University of California system on Nov. 20 and Nov. 21.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) represents patient care technical employees such as radiology and emergency trauma technicians; phlebotomists; perfusionists and medical assistants. AFSCME also represents service employees such as custodians, security guards and food service workers.
UCLA Health has developed detailed plans to maintain full access for patient care in our hospitals and clinics and minimize disruptions during a two-day strike planned by a University of California employee labor union starting at 12:00 am Wednesday, Nov. 20, and ending at 11:59 pm on Thursday, Nov. 21.
All health care facilities are open and operational. UCLA Health is continuously evaluating resources and strategically deploying staff and managers to ensure its highest priority – providing safe, high-quality care.
Picketing and other activity – especially in the vicinity of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and the Medical Plaza complex in Westwood – may cause traffic delays. Patients are advised to allow extra time for travel.
UCLA Health and the David Geffen School of Medicine are dedicated to the mission of providing leading-edge patient care, research and medical training. The contributions of all employees are valued, and their collective bargaining rights are respected.
Resources
The University of California negotiates contracts with labor unions on behalf of UC campuses and academic health systems, including UCLA Health.
UC statement on AFSCME strike notice (Nov. 8)
UC website with details about negotiations
For reporters
- University of California Media Relations:
- UCLA Health Media Relations:
Frequently Asked Questions
A union representing University of California employees has asked its members to strike from 12:01 am on Wednesday, Nov. 20, to 11:59 pm on Thursday, Nov. 21, across all UC campuses and academic health systems, including UCLA Health.
The American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) represents patient care technical employees such as radiology and emergency trauma technicians; phlebotomists; perfusionists and medical assistants. AFSCME also represents service employees such as custodians, security guards and food service workers.
All facilities are open and operational. UCLA Health has developed plans to maintain access to hospitals and clinics and minimize disruptions during the strike. UCLA Health is continuously evaluating resources and strategically deploying staff and managers to ensure its highest priority – providing safe, high-quality care to patients.
The quality of patient care will not be affected. Picketing and other activity – especially in the vicinity of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and the Medical Plaza complex in Westwood – may cause traffic delays. For patients with scheduled appointments, please plan ahead and allow extra time for travel. Every effort will be made to accommodate late arrivals.
Class schedules, clinical assignments and extracurricular activities are expected to proceed as scheduled. Maintaining access to facilities is a priority. Some research lab operations may be curtailed due to delays in supply deliveries or reduced numbers of employees.
The University of California contracts with the union recently expired, and union leaders called for their members to strike.
The University of California Office of the President negotiates labor union contracts on behalf of UC campuses and UC academic health systems, including UCLA Health.
UC has presented meaningful proposals to address union requests. Details about negotiations are on this UC website.
UCLA Health values the contributions of employees and respects their collective-bargaining rights.