University of California hospital employees have begun picketing at medical centers across the state in response to what union leaders say was intimidation and harassment from management against workers who took part in a two-day walkout in May.
UC San Diego Medical Center-Thornton in La Jolla is one of 15 university locations impacted by the strike.
University officials say some elective surgeries scheduled for Wednesday have been canceled.
Failed negotiations over a new union contract sparked the May strike. The two sides are at odds over staffing, wages and benefits, including pensions and health care.
Radiation therapist Larry Scinta is a member of the bargaining team for AFSCME Local 3299.
“We’re here because the University of California during our last strike basically broke the law by intimidating, by threatening by actually pulling people into closets and interrogating them about their strike activities,” Scinta said.
UC San Diego Health System issued the following statement:
“UC San Diego Health System is committed to delivering excellent patient care and support services during this time,” the statement reads. “The dedication and hard work of all UC San Diego Health System employees, including union members, allows the Health System to provide some of the best patient care in the country. All employees are welcome and encouraged to come to work to care for our patients and their families.”
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They also advised patients to plan ahead to find ample time for parking and to reach their appointments.
Local 3299 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees launched the one-day strike Wednesday at the university's hospitals in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Davis, Irvine and San Diego. The union represents more than 20,000 UC patient care and service employees.
