4,000 health care workers threaten strike at 2 UCSF hospitals over pay, staffing shortages

The union representing about 4,000 professional and technical workers at two hospitals operated by the University of California, San Francisco, is threatening to strike Wednesday as it bargains for a new contract.

The University Professional and Technical Employees union is seeking a three-year agreement with raises of 9% the first year and 8% in each of the following two year. UC has proposed 5% the first year and 3% in the following two years. The two sides are also apart on a range of issues including higher health care premiums.