UPTE and AFSCME 3299 workers march on the boss, setting the stage for our joint contract campaigns this year
Along with our union siblings represented by AFSCME Local 3299, dedicated UPTE workers at the Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine (DLAM) have stepped forward in a march on the boss at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Paving the way for significant improvements across the UC system, the recent joint UPTE & AFSCME 3299 action in February served as a preview for the fight ahead for thousands of UC workers.
The challenges faced by the animal technicians and assistant animal technicians at DLAM are a stark reminder of the urgent issues confronting many UC workers across different departments and roles systemwide. With a staggering workload of 456 cages per person, the workers at DLAM have been pushed to their limits due to severe understaffing, leading to high stress levels, increased injury rates, and a palpable sense of unfairness.
"The recent march on the boss at DLAM is a preview of what is to come," explained Ursula Quinn, an Occupational Therapist 2 at UCLA, vice president of UPTE, and chapter co-chair for the UCLA chapter. "More than just one labor union, we are a labor movement. UPTE and AFSCME 3299 have come together, determined to change the narrative and fight for a workplace that values every employee's health, safety, and dignity. As we enter the contract negotiations alongside AFSCME 3299, our strength comes from our numbers and the impact of our unified voice."
As we organize with AFSCME 3299, we are not just seeking to win better contracts for UC workers; we are demonstrating what it means to stand together in solidarity. The demands laid out by the DLAM workers for reasonable workloads, additional staffing, transparent reclassification processes, and a focus on employee recruitment and retention are not just items on a list; they are the blueprint for a fairer, more equitable workplace for all.
"When we stand together, our collective voice amplifies, echoing through the halls of UC management," continued Ursula. "It's not just about addressing the immediate challenges; it's about laying the groundwork for lasting change. Together, we are not just asking for better conditions; we are demanding them, backed by the power of our united front. Along with our AFSCME 3299 siblings, we will reset UC's priorities to serve all Californias."
UCLA has responded in writing to acknowledge the issues brought forth by UPTE and AFSCME members at DLAM, and we hope soon to sit down and discuss our issues with decision-makers there.
As this story unfolds, let it serve as a call to action for all UPTE members. Our fight at DLAM is representative of the larger goal ahead of us this year as we approach contract negotiations. Together, alongside our fellow union members in AFSCME 3299, we will march shoulder to shoulder toward a future where every UC worker is valued, respected, and heard.
"With negotiations on the horizon, the workers' march, the detailed letter, and the upcoming vote all serve as critical chapters in the broader story of labor rights advocacy within the University of California system," said Ursula.
