Amidst layoffs, UCI researchers fight back against increased productivity expectations
When Marco Islas returned to UC Irvine's "All of Us" program in 2022, the environment seemed more stable. Having worked on and off for UCI since 2013, including time spent in the dialysis department, Marco was no stranger to the challenges of working in healthcare at a large institution. But the stability he hoped for in the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored genetics program quickly unraveled as the uncertainty of layoffs threw everything into chaos.
The All of Us Research Program is an NIH initiative that aims to gather health and genetic data to improve health and accelerate research. The program's goal is to help researchers develop individualized prevention, treatment, and care by accounting for differences in biology, environment, lifestyle, and socioeconomics to help predict predispositions for health risks.
It’s a program built on patient trust and rigorous scientific protocols. As a phlebotomist, Marco is responsible for guiding participants through the informed consent process, performing physical measurements, and collecting critical samples like blood and urine. This work is crucial, not just for the program, but for the patients whose health and future depend on these findings.
When the NIH cut funding, UCI management responded with layoffs that blindsided the team. Initially, management claimed only 2-3 people would be let go. In reality, it was much worse—eight people were suddenly gone. The staff who remained, including Marco, were expected to absorb the workload, covering multiple clinics without any additional support.
What was once manageable became nearly impossible. The pressure to maintain numbers was overwhelming, with management demanding that staff double their recruitment and retention rates—from 3-4 patients a day to 8—despite the reduced workforce. “It was really nerve-racking and unfair,” Marco recalled. “They wouldn’t give us overtime or even a remote day to do scheduling from home. We were being pushed beyond our limits, including having to drive to multiple clinics across Southern California in a given day. Less time with each patient also means they may not get all of their questions answered, or we may not be able to do everything we can to make them comfortable while we collect lots of blood or other samples and measurements. They deserve more of our time and attention.”
As a union, Marco and his colleagues forced a meeting with management and the message was clear: either bring back staff to meet the numbers, or adjust expectations. “Working together as a union was a game-changer and an experience I haven’t had before,” Marco said. “When management tried to push back, our UPTE team stood firm. Our local organizer helped give us the tools and confidence to know our rights and how to fight back, and it worked—management relented by readjusting our workload expectations to match the smaller staff size.”
Previously, Marco had been hesitant to get involved with the union. After witnessing firsthand how management's priorities didn’t align with the well-being of the staff or the success of the program, he became motivated to get more involved. “I was part of the strike in 2017, but I was new and only participated for one day because I was a little afraid,” he admitted. “Now, I’m not worried at all. I know my rights, I know what we’re fighting for, and I know why it matters—and as a union, I know we can win.”
To those who are nervous about striking or getting involved, Marco has a message: “I understand how you feel. I was skeptical myself. But after seeing how upper management is only in it for themselves, it’s eye-opening. It’s good to know that we can fight together for a better workplace. We have strength in numbers.”