Dear UCSF Community,

Late last night, the University of California reached a systemwide tentative agreement with the California Nurses Association (CNA). As a result, CNA has withdrawn its sympathy strike notice and has directed all nurses scheduled to work on Monday and Tuesday, November 17 and 18, to report to work as scheduled.

At UCSF Health, we are committed to compensating our people competitively and supporting the environment they need to deliver exceptional care. This tentative agreement reflects our shared commitment to patient care and recognizes the excellence our nurses bring to UCSF Health every day. 

With the withdrawal of the CNA strike notice, operations across UCSF Health will remain close to normal. Clinical teams are actively backfilling surgeries and procedures that were rescheduled and adding clinic appointments. Inpatient units are working to resume normal capacity, and the children’s hospitals have largely returned to normal operations, including reopening to unscheduled admissions and transfers. Some delays are still expected in radiology and lab, as well as enterprise-wide support services like transportation and custodial.  

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) has not withdrawn its strike notice for November 17–18. After 16 months of good-faith negotiations, the University declared impasse in July. To ensure these employees received meaningful increases without further delay, UC implemented key terms from its last, best, and final offer at that time — including a raise of 5% or a minimum rate of $25 an hour, whichever is greater. Last week, the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) agreed to a contract that includes a 5% across-the-board increase, and the tentative agreement reached with CNA reflects comparable wage provisions. We hope AFSCME will choose to join UPTE and CNA in reaching a fair resolution.

We respect the right of UCSF employees to make their voices heard through labor action. Our mission to advance care, discovery, and education is grounded in the strength and continuity of our people and our shared responsibility to the patients and communities who rely on us every day.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the people we serve.

Sincerely,

Sam Hawgood, MBBS

Chancellor
Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock Distinguished Professor

Suresh Gunasekaran

President and CEO
UCSF Health