Dear UCSF Community,

We have received a strike notice from the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) union for its Health Care Professionals, Research Support Professionals and Technical Units. UPTE intends to strike at UCSF only.

The labor action is scheduled to begin at midnight on Wednesday, November 20, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, November 21. We are taking steps to minimize disruptions across all three of our mission areas – research, education, and care delivery.

We have not received a formal notice from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union for its Service and Patient Care Technical Units, despite their members authorizing a strike.

Employees represented by UPTE and AFSCME perform roles across UCSF and UCSF Health hospitals and clinics, including UCSF Dentistry and UCSF Health community hospitals. This includes UCSF employees working at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (ZSFG) and UCSF Fresno.

We know our patients depend on us for critical health care services, often planning weeks in advance for their care. We have contingency plans in place and are working closely with clinical and operations teams to minimize the impact of the strike on our patients and workforce. As a result of those preparations, we’ll be able to keep the majority of scheduled appointments and surgeries.

We’re working hard to avoid disruption, including bringing in qualified staff. However, we may need to reschedule certain procedures. We will notify any patients whose appointments are affected and will prioritize rescheduling their care.

Our planning also includes taking steps to address potential impacts on our dental clinics, our research and education missions, and our facilities and transportation operations. Our top priorities remain the health, safety, and security of our entire community, including our patients, visitors, learners, faculty, and staff. You can find updates on the UCSF In the Know site throughout the strike.

We respect our employees’ rights to representation and freedom of speech. We also respect our employees who choose to come to work and support their patients and teammates during this time. Our PRIDE Values are the cornerstone of the UCSF community. We see them in action daily and trust that will be no different during the strike.

The UC Office of the President, which conducts negotiations with the unions on behalf of the UC system, continues to work toward a resolution. For more information on these systemwide labor negotiations, visit this site.

Thank you for your continued dedication to UCSF, our patients, and each other.

Sincerely,

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

Suresh Gunasekaran
President and CEO
UCSF Health