Liz Perlman, Executive Director of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3299, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the challenges facing University of California (UC) workers. She discussed income inequality between executives and frontline staff, the impact of recent layoffs and the union's efforts to protect immigrant workers amid increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
AFSCME Local 3299 represents more than 35,000 service workers (SX), patient care technical workers (EX), skilled craftworkers (K7), and others across UC’s 10 campuses, five medical centers, numerous clinics, research laboratories and the UC Hastings College of Law.
Despite the University of California system reporting $340 million in profits last year, AFSCME Local 3299 members struggle with low wages and unaffordable housing, especially for the largest bargaining unit based in the Los Angeles area. Perlman revealed that the average union member earns around $62,000 annually, forcing many to commute up to three hours each way or sleep in their cars between shifts. Meanwhile, UC hospital CEOs earn base salaries of $1.4 million, plus incentive bonuses for reducing labor costs. This disparity has led to multiple strikes as the union fights for fair compensation and working conditions.
Recent layoffs at UC San Diego Health have further strained relations between management and workers. Perlman explained that 103 union members, including critical staff like radiation therapists, received layoff notices despite the hospital system's expansion and acquisitions. The union argues these cuts jeopardize patient care and contradict the university's claims of financial constraints. AFSCME Local 3299 is mobilizing community support, and according to Perlman, is considering further action to protect jobs and maintain quality healthcare services.
In response to increased ICE raids in Southern California, AFSCME Local 3299 is taking steps to protect its immigrant members. Perlman emphasized the union's commitment to defending workers regardless of immigration status, saying that "an injury to one is an injury to all." According to Perlman, Local 3299 is providing know-your-rights training, demanding UC management uphold worker protections and insisting that ICE agents produce signed judicial warrants before accessing non-public areas of UC facilities.
Listen to the full episode to hear more about AFSCME Local 3299's fight for worker rights and fair treatment with the University of California system.