UPTE CWA 9119 Statement on the Death of UCSF Social Worker

For Immediate Release

Media Contact
Michael Redmond
(415) 235-0597
michael@theworkeragency.com

On hearing of the tragic passing of a UCSF social worker and UPTE-CWA 9119 member, UPTE President Dan Russell released the following statement:

“We at UPTE-CWA 9119 are devastated to learn of the death of a remarkable, compassionate, and dedicated social worker, who was beloved by their family, friends, colleagues, and fellow union members. Our hearts, thoughts, and support are with the victim’s family, friends, coworkers, and everyone affected by this tragedy.

UPTE members have been on the front lines sounding the alarm about critical safety issues at San Francisco General Hospital for years. Workers have been assaulted, traumatized, and forced to deal with unsafe working conditions for far too long.

We demand a full investigation and reliable, consistent, and transparent safety protocols that ensure every worker comes home safely at the end of their shift. We demand that city, county, hospital, and UC leadership finally address the rampant understaffing and unjust hiring practices that put workers in danger and hinder both the city and workers’ efforts to address the mental health crisis on our streets. We owe our colleague and friend more than grief. We owe them change, and will fight for it with everything we have.”

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University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) is proud to be a fighting, member-led union representing 22,000 healthcare, research, and education professionals across the University of California system, California’s community colleges, and United States Department of Energy labs. We are an affiliate of the Communications Workers of America (CWA Local 9119).