UC Davis workers put their solidarity to work as technical workers secure new equity increases and social workers march on their boss
UC Davis workers in the technical and healthcare units have been showing us what solidarity in action looks like! Business Technical Support Analysts (BTSAs) at UC Davis Medical Center recently won equity increases ranging from two to twelve percent, while Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) marched on their boss to deliver a petition calling for an equity adjustment of their own.
Josh Buxbaum, a BTSA 3 and an UPTE Workplace Representative, recounted their journey: “It was a challenging process. We started with basic forms for an equity review but had to escalate when we didn’t receive a response. We united with fellow BTSA 3s and drafted a demand letter to our supervisors to reinforce our case,” he shared.
Josh emphasized the importance of unity and persistence. “We gathered, discussed our worth, and confronted leadership directly when things stalled. We made it clear: we wouldn’t back down without a fair reassessment of our roles and remuneration. Our victory demonstrates that change is possible with enough pressure and unity.”
As they prepare for a systemwide bargaining process, Josh believes this victory has set a positive precedent, showcasing their determination and potentially bolstering their position in future contract negotiations. “If we stand together and continue to demand fair treatment, I am confident we can secure even more substantial gains for all members involved and the community we serve.”
In February, LCSWs at UC Davis Medical Center launched a petition of their own. The petition highlighted how these social workers were paid significantly less than their counterparts at nearby hospitals, leading to high turnover and difficulties filling vacancies. Low retention disrupts care as patients often restart with new clinicians, hindering recovery.
Fed up with management’s lack of response to the healthcare crisis, social workers took their demands straight to the top, using the momentum of our platform ratification vote to march on their boss and deliver their petition along with hundreds of signatures.
“It was truly inspiring to see the turnout because quite a few people from all different teams showed up,” said Arri Aguilar, an LCSW who has worked at UC Davis for almost four years. “Standing with my colleagues was empowering. It’s about more than just wages; it’s about respecting our role and securing the future of healthcare here at UC Davis. We’re here for the long game.
While acknowledging the setbacks in social workers leaving for other work opportunities, Arri is optimistic about the future, highlighting the strategic importance of their efforts in anticipation of upcoming systemwide contract negotiations.
