The University of California and its largest union have reached a tentative contract for service workers this week after more than a year of bitter disagreement, avoiding a five-day strike that was planned for next week.

Two union strikes on Wednesday caused the shutdown of several residential restaurants, the cancellation of several discussion sections and the delay of some elective surgeries, costing the University of California millions of dollars.

“We are one people, we are one community and we will stand up for our rights,” said Thea Sircar, a UCLA political science doctoral candidate and teacher’s assistant, during a speech to a cheering crowd of AFSCME strikers and supporting UAW union members.

UCLA Dining Services officials closed Bruin Plate, Feast at Rieber, Hedrick Test Kitchen and Cafe 1919 Wednesday because of anticipated low staffing levels resulting from a union strike.

Discussion sections for some classes and certain patient services at UCLA’s hospitals will be cancelled or limited today because of strikes by two major unions.
Up to about 3,800 unionized employees may not show up for their work shifts today at UCLA’s hospitals and patient care facilities.

A superior court judge issued a temporary restraining order Tuesday morning, prohibiting 49 essential patient care workers at University of California medical centers from participating in a planned union strike.

A state labor board will seek a temporary restraining order at the University of California’s request, to limit the number of University of California union workers who will participate in a planned strike on Wednesday.

The first day of a planned two-day union strike across the University of California’s medical centers drew out picket lines of patient care and service workers across the UC.

About 200 workers with signs and whistles picketed outside Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center today, as part of the first day of a two-day strike by University of California patient care technical and service workers.