University of California officials announced today (July 8) that the California Nurses Association, the union representing UC's nurses, informed the university that it plans to conduct a one-day strike on Thursday, July 21 which, according to state labor law, is presumptively unlawful since negotiations are ongoing.

"It is very troubling that the CNA is asking UC nurses to take an unlawful action that could potentially impact services to patients in an attempt to intimidate the university at the bargaining table," said Howard Pripas, UC director of labor relations. "We've bargained in good faith and are offering an extremely fair and competitive two-year contract.

"Additionally, it is incorrect for the union to try to assert that we've been acting in bad faith when the bargaining record provides clear and unequivocal evidence of the numerous offers and compromises we have made throughout these negotiations."

In an attempt to circumvent the collective bargaining process and try to use contract negotiations with the university to advance the union's larger political agenda, the CNA has submitted a baseless unfair labor practice charge and attempted to drag into bargaining issues such as staffing ratios that are already protected under state law.

The university has been bargaining in good faith with the California Nurses Association since January. UC's most recent offer includes significant market-based salary increases for nurses and guarantees to health and retirement benefits. The union is demanding wage increases that exceed the university's market-based offer by as much as 28 percent.

UC medical centers have an exemplary record in maintaining nurse-to-patient ratios and the university has affirmed its commitment during negotiations that it will continue to abide by the laws of the state of California.

Anticipating the union's strike announcement, the university contracted for replacement nurses for UC medical centers, and has taken additional measures to ensure proper patient care and to mitigate any disruption to normal operations.

The university must now consider filing an unfair labor practice charge against the union with the state Public Employment Relations Board and ask the board to seek an injunction with the courts to stop the strike out of public safety concerns.