Dear colleague:

As you may know, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union is asking UC service and patient care employees to strike May 7-9. Your union has announced its intention to ask you to strike in sympathy with AFSCME.

Striking is serious, and impacts the critical services and care we know you take great pride in delivering to the people who depend on you. We believe it is highly inappropriate for any union to threaten services to patients, students and the public as a negotiating tactic.

It is essential you understand the implications of striking. Attached is important information for you about striking, including your right not to. Please read it carefully.

If your union goes through with its sympathy strike plans, you are still allowed to come to work and we hope you will.

As it has before, UC will seek legal protection for patients against a strike due to the imminent threat it poses to public health and safety. We will let you know if your position is among those that are barred from striking.

As always, thank you for everything you do for the university and the people we serve.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your local labor relations office.

Sincerely,

Dwaine B. Duckett
Vice President
UC Systemwide Human Resources