The University of California Board of Regents meeting on November 13, 2024, highlighted significant concerns from healthcare workers regarding recruitment, retention, and rising healthcare costs within the UC system. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from various representatives, emphasizing the urgent need for action to address these issues.

Dan Russell, president of the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTI), voiced frustrations over the ongoing contract negotiations, accusing the UC bargaining team of bad faith and a lack of transparency. He pointed out that the current crisis in recruitment and retention is negatively impacting students, research, and patient care. Russell noted that despite the UC system's substantial financial resources, including over $20 billion in liquid capital, there has been little progress in addressing employee concerns. He warned that thousands of workers are prepared to strike if necessary, reflecting a growing discontent among staff.

Matthew Jones, a nurse representative from the California Nurses Association, echoed these sentiments, criticizing the high healthcare costs that UC claims to have negotiated. He called for greater transparency from UC administrators, who he argued are making decisions behind closed doors that adversely affect healthcare workers and their families. Jones emphasized the need for solidarity among healthcare workers as they prepare for potential strikes.

Juliet Suarez, a licensed clinical social worker at UCSF, highlighted the disparities in pay and resources between different healthcare roles within the UC system. She pointed out that mental health care providers are underpaid compared to their counterparts serving wealthier clients, leading to burnout and staffing shortages. Suarez urged the Board to take immediate action to rectify these inequities, which she believes are harming both patients and the reputation of the UC system.

The meeting underscored a critical moment for the University of California as it faces mounting pressure from its workforce to improve working conditions and healthcare access. The discussions reflect broader concerns about the sustainability of the UC system's healthcare services and the well-being of its employees and patients. As negotiations continue, the potential for strikes looms, signaling a pivotal time for the university's leadership to respond to the urgent needs of its community.