UC Workers Strike Over Wages, Housing

0:00It's April 17th, from your city to your ears. This is California News Today, powered by AI. A big strike is brewing at the University of California System. The Union for over 42,000 service and hospital workers like custodians, food servers, patient care assistants, and techs just announced. An open-ended walk-out starting May 14th across all campuses. These folks have been bargaining with UC for over two years now. They're pushing back because wages aren't matching inflation, and sky-high housing costs are forcing crazy commutes or worse. Many workers, mostly women and people of color, are driving three hours each way, or even crashing in cars and shelters. They love the university, but feel straight up undervalued after giving so much. The Union filed unfair labor charges, saying UC refused to talk housing aid and forced through higher healthcare costs without real negotiation. Meanwhile, UC points to progress on 26 contract sections and calls their wage hikes generous.

1:03UC offers raises topping 32% through 2029, with backup plans to keep patients and students safe if the strike hits. But the Union calls that math fuzzy since not everyone gets the full boost, and after a two-day strike last fall, tensions are high as ever.