Dear UCSF Community,

We have received notice that the California Nurses Association (CNA), the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) will hold a UC systemwide labor action beginning Monday, November 17.

• For AFSCME and UPTE, the 48-hour strike will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
• For CNA, the 48-hour strike will begin at 7 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, and end at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

This strike will have far-reaching effects across UCSF, touching nearly every aspect of our patient care, research, and education missions. Our teams are working diligently to minimize disruptions, protect continuity in critical areas, and support those who depend on UCSF every day. Contingency plans are in place to maintain essential operations through qualified staff and adjusted workflows where needed.

Actions of this magnitude carry a significant cost — not only in dollars, but in the disruption they create for our people, our patients, and the communities we serve. Many of our patients have planned their care months in advance or are traveling long distances to be seen at UCSF. Our teams are moving appointments up where possible and rescheduling affected patients within two weeks of their original date. Through these efforts, we remain focused on upholding UCSF’s mission of advancing health through patient care, research, and education.

We fully respect the rights of employees to representation and to make their voices heard through a labor action. We also respect those who choose to continue working to support their colleagues and to sustain the care, research, and educational missions that define UCSF. We are hopeful that our shared commitment to patients and to one another will guide all parties to recognize and preserve the staffing levels essential to safe, high-quality care. We know our community will continue to uphold our PRIDE Values throughout the strike and exemplify the core principles that make UCSF special.

During the strike, you will be able to find updates at the UCSF In the Know website.

The UC Office of the President conducts negotiations with the unions on behalf of the UC system and continues to work toward a resolution. You can find information on these negotiations at the UC Labor News site.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our mission, our patients, and each other.

Sincerely,

Sam Hawgood, MBBS
Chancellor
Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock Distinguished Professor

Suresh Gunasekaran
President and CEO
UCSF Health