Picketers marched outside UCLA Medical Center Friday to make a stand about a variety of demands, from housing to health care and job security.
These picketers are security, dietary, housekeeping and patient care workers with AFSCME Local 3299. They carried signs and chanted: “We don’t get a contract, you don’t get no peace.”
KNX News’ Karen Adam spoke to one of the union members, Monica Martinez. She told Adams that the group has been negotiating since January.
“It’s something they already provide for executives and higher management,” Martinez said of the group’s request for housing. “And we’re asking for, you know, better wages. We can’t live under what we’re making.”
Adams said that some workers are even living out of their cars. Another union member she interviewed said he travels hours to get to work every day because housing costs are too high near UCLA. He said it takes a toll on his car, his mental health and more.
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“The university says it’s offered historic pay increases, among other things, and says the union has not responded to its latest economic proposal,” Adams reported. “Mediation to bring the two sides back to the table is set for next week at UCLA.”
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